Pontius scores 3 goals, United beat Red Bulls 4-1

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chris Pontius scored his first hat trick to lead D.C. United to a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

Nick De Leon also scored to help United stretch their unbeaten run to six matches. United moved past New York into second place in the Eastern Conference, nine points behind first-place Kansas City.

Thierry Henry scored a late consolation goal for the Red Bulls, who suffered their first loss in five matches.

The Red Bulls struggled defensively without fullback Rafa Marquez, who served the first of a three-match suspension for violent conduct displayed in last weekend's 2-2 draw against San Jose.

Pontius scored twice before halftime before adding his fourth goal of the season just beyond the midway point of the second half.