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Two defenders sparked the offence as the Impact continued its playoff drive with a 3-0 upset win over New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Saputo Stadium.

The Impact holds down the sixth and final playoff spot in the MLS Eastern Conference and they opened a six-point lead over the New England Revolution, which was held to a 1-1 tie by the Portland Timbers. And they moved four points back of Philadelphia, which was tied by Orlando SC 2-2. New England does have two games in hand, while Philadelphia has one.

The Red Bulls held a wide advantage in possession in the first half, but they failed to get a shot on target before defender Rod Fanni gave the Impact a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute. Connor Lade conceded a corner to the Impact and Fanni got his head on the delivery from Saphir Taider.

The Impact players used their heads once again to take a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute. Jukka Raitala was in the box to the right of Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles when Alejandro Silva put a free kick into the box, Raitala headed to the ball to Bacary Sagna on the far side of the box and Robles was unable to move across in time to stop Sagna’s header.