INSTANT RECAP: New York City whips New England 2-0

Boom. There it is.

In a tense, taut, at times thrilling encounter, New York City FC won its first-ever MLS game against a determined New England Revolution, 2-0. 43,507 cheered the Bronx Blues onward, as David Villa served notice that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Villa opened up the scoring in the 19th minute with a splendid, classy goal. The Spanish legend drove through a forest of New England defenders before slotting the ball home. He then rushed over to home plate, celebrating with teammates in an instantly-iconic move.

Beyond that, though, New England had the better of the run of play, especially as the first half wore on. First, in the 29th minute, Chris Tierney served up a Kelyn Rowe corner onward to midfielder Lee Nguyen, but he couldn't finish the scoring chance. The Revs came closest to scoring in the 42nd minute. Prodigal forward Juan Agudelo laid down a snap header that landed behind goalkeeper Josh Saunders. As he searched for the ball, it stopped — literally — on the goal line.

Saunders then gathered the ball, and ushered it to safety.

The second half went much better for New York City. Khiry Shelton came on for Sebastian Velasquez in the 65th minute. As is his wont, Shelton had an immediate impact on events; literally seconds after entering, he forced New England defender Jose Gonçalves into a foul, and a resulting red card, because it was a denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO).

The short-handed Revs were forced into desperate defending, as the Gotham Blues ran riot. Their pressure told, in the most poetic of fashions; in the 84th minute, Patrick Mullins — formerly of New England, as it turned out — scored the second, clinching the win for the Sky Blues. David Villa led the breakaway, then proceeded to serve up Mullins with a peach of a rebound.

Coming up next for New York City: the Colorado Rapids. They play on Saturday.