MLS wrap: Early goals crucial for Union

The Philadelphia Union returned to the top of the Eastern Conference of the MLS after easily beating New England 3-0 on Sunday.

The Union scored twice in the opening 24 minutes and never looked in danger of relinquishing their lead, with another goal in second-half injury time capping off the victory.

Carlos Ruiz opened the scoring after 12 minutes, firing home an acrobatic volley after Keon Daniel had headed Justin Mapp’s pass back across goal.

Philadelphia dominated open play and it came as no surprise when Carlos Valdes doubled their lead on 24 minutes.

This time it was Sebastien Le Toux who nodded the ball down for Valdes to rifle the ball home after Kyle Nakazawa’s long free kick.

Any thoughts the Revolution had of a second-half comeback were doused when Benny Feilhaber received his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card in the 66th minute.

Sheanon Williams completed the victory when he raced clear deep into injury time to net a third for the Union, who are now two points clear of the New York Red Bulls atop the Eastern Conference.