Montreal Impact defender Hassoun Camara, top, and Dominic Oduro (7) and others celebrate a goal by Laurent Ciman, second from right, during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match against D.C. United, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Matteo Mancosu scored twice to lead the Montreal Impact to a 4-2 win over D.C. United in the knockout round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Thursday.
The fifth-seeded Impact will host the top-seeded New York Red Bulls on Sunday in the first game of the two-leg Eastern Conference semifinals.
Laurent Ciman scored early to give Montreal the lead, followed by Mancosu's first goal on a cross from Ignacio Piatti in the 43rd minute to make it 2-0.
Mancuso, who came to Montreal on loan from Italian club Bologna in July, padded the lead with a header in the 58th minute and Piatti made it 4-0 with a shot in the 83rd.
Lamar Neagle and Taylor Kemp scored for United after the 89th minute.
Montreal is still adjusting to the absence of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba. His status and future with the Impact have been a mystery ever since he asked to be removed from the game-day roster two weeks ago after he was told he wasn't starting.
United entered the playoffs in the best form of their season, winning four of their last five matches. Their midseason turnaround was sparked in part by an improved frontline from the acquisitions of Lloyd Sam and Patrick Mullins.
Montreal Impact forward Matteo Mancosu, front left, celebrates his goal with Ignacio Piatti (10) during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match against D.C. United, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum, left, heads the ball against Montreal Impact forward Matteo Mancosu, right, during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Montreal Impact midfielder Marco Donadel (33) goes for the ball against D.C. United forward Patrick Mullins (16) during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti (10) battles for the ball against D.C. United midfielder Rob Vincent (26) and Nick DeLeon (14) during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Montreal Impact midfielder Calum Mallace, left, kicks the ball past D.C. United midfielder Patrick Nyarko (12) during the second half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Montreal Impact midfielder Calum Mallace, left, leaps for the ball against D.C. United midfielder Patrick Nyarko (12) during the second half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Montreal Impact forward Matteo Mancosu, left, celebrates his goal as D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum (15) looks on during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press