Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa all scored as New York City FC's stars shone in a 3-2 victory over MLS Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
The trio of former internationals - who have endured mixed fortunes since signing for big-spending City - powered their team into a 3-0 lead at Yankee Stadium before a late Union rally.
Former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard opened the scoring after only seven minutes, pouncing on a Tommy McNamara shot in the eighth minute to lash home.
Spanish World Cup winner David Villa almost made it 2-0 five minutes later, audaciously attempting to lob the keeper from near the halfway line but his effort crashed back off the underside of the bar.
Lampard had followed up but his shot from the rebound was comfortably saved by Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Villa did not have to wait much longer to grab his team's second however, when teenager Jack Harrison raced from deep in his own half before backheeling into the path of the Spaniard, who steered his shot past Blake.
Italian midfield maestro Pirlo made it three in the 50th minute, curling a free-kick over the wall to leave City firmly in control.
Roland Alberg pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for Philadelphia in the 55th minute and a Frederic Brillant own goal in the 88th minute raised hopes of an improbable comeback.
But New York held on for a win which leaves them two points behind Philadelphia in the conference standings.
New York Red Bulls, two points back in third place, can leapfrog their city rivals with victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.