AP

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.