D.C. United continued their strong play of late on Saturday night at a rainy RFK Stadium, showing a newfound attacking acumen while dispatching the NY Red Bull 4-1. Luciano Emilio, showing the form of 2007-era Ben Olson, led United’s scoring attack with his first MLS hat trick (perhaps he was motivated by the Morelia scouts that were reportedly in attendance?), while Clyde Simms netted a nice long distance strike in the first half.

The Red Bulls, who recently lost Jose Altidore to Villareal, were without the injured Juan Pablo Angel and Claudio Reyna and it showed. United controlled play for the most part, even without the suspended Marcello Gallardo. The timid United side from the start of the year that was afraid to put the ball on goal seems to have disappeared. For now. United faces last place San Jose next Sunday leading up to David Beckham and the LA Galaxy’s lone visit to RFK one week later.