New York City FC produced a rousing second-half display to beat San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 in a hard-earned win at Yankee Stadium.

Jason Kreis's side rode the crest of a wave into this morning's clash after beating Toronto 2-0 last time out to end a three-match losing streak.

The hosts did not have it all their own way early on, though, and Sanna Nyassi forced Josh Saunders into a smart save on 16 minutes as City survived.

Frank Lampard, who opened the scoring against the Canadian outfit for his first MLS goal, tried in vain to lead his side to an opening goal as he saw two promising efforts blocked.

MLS legend Chris Wondolowski could and should have opened up a half-time lead against the run of play, but the veteran thrashed wide from a good position before the break.

It proved a significant miss, as New York flipped the game on its head after the interval.

First, Ned Grabavoy opened the scoring on 51 minutes with a drilled left-footed effort, before doubling the lead shortly after the hour mark to consolidate their advantage. Minutes later, former Barcelona hitman David Villa headed home an Angelino cross for a third and seemingly killer goal.

However, the visitors threw themselves a major lifeline when Quincy Amarikwa reduced the arrears, before Wondolowski slotted a 75th-minute penalty to ensure a nervy final quarter in the Big Apple.

Despite huffing and puffing from San Jose, Kreis and co held strong for their second successive win.