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 and the Montreal Impact beat D.C. United 4-2 in an MLS Cup Playoffs knockout match Thursday night.
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, and Ignacio Piatti made it 4-0 for the Impact in the 83rd minute.
Lamar Neagle and Taylor Kemp scored for fourth-seeded United, both after the 89th minute.
United entered the playoffs in their best form of the 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, meanwhile, is still adjusting to the absence of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba. His status and future with the Impact has 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.
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