David Villa's incredible goal helped New York City to an MLS win, while Vancouver Whitecaps was also victorious on Saturday (AEST).

Villa's stunner from about 50 yards sealed a 2-0 win for City against struggling Philadelphia Union.

The former Spain and Barcelona forward struck from distance after Jack Harrison had opened the scoring early in the second half.

Villa nudged a defender away before his outrageous right-footed attempt from just inside the attacking half, which left Union goalkeeper Andre Blake scrambling and unable to keep it out.

The win lifted City, which has three victories in six games this season, into top spot in the Eastern Conference, which Union is bottom.

Vancouver claimed its second win of the campaign by beating Seattle Sounders 2-1.

Fredy Montero headed in a Cristian Techera cross in the 65th minute to score against his former club.

The Colombian's close-range header with 10 minutes left doubled the lead and meant Vancouver was a winner despite Will Bruin's late effort.

Meanwhile, Dallas remains unbeaten despite conceding late in a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes.