With United in search of an important victory to keep its place above the red line, Mullins delivered in a big way on Saturday, scoring his first career hat trick in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Fire at RFK Stadium. Since arriving at D.C. via trade from New York City FC in July, Mullins has scored five goals in five starts, coinciding with United's best play of the season. D.C. extended its unbeaten streak to six matches with the victory and continues to hold a slim lead in the race for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference (East #6, 32 points, 7-8-11 record).
A two-time MAC Hermann Trophy winner out of the University of Maryland, Mullins scored his second goal of the match in first half stoppage time off a Luciano Acosta assist. Acosta dished the ball off to Mullins who was able to squeeze a shot past charging goalkeeper Sean Johnson from just outside the six-yard box, giving United a 3-1 lead heading into the half (Watch Goal).
The 24-year-old Mullins would then complete his hat trick in the 74th minute, making a run in the box and redirecting a Sean Franklin ball far post and into the back of the net, bringing the score to 5-2 in favor of D.C. (Watch Goal). The hat trick was the first for United since June 2014.
D.C. United next travels to Yankee Stadium to take on New York City FC on Thursday, September 1 (7 p.m. ET, MLS LIVE).