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Rodgers goal helps Red Bulls edge KC

HenryKC (ISIPhotos.com)

Luke Rodgers found himself in the starting lineup yet again, and once again rewarded New York head coach Hans Backe's confidence.

The English striker finished off a Dwayne DeRosario cross in the first half to lift the Red Bulls to a 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.

The Red Bulls dominated play in the first half, but could only manage one goal, with KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen stepping up with some key interventions.

The second half was much better for Kansas City, which applied effective pressure on the home team and took advantage of the absence of Teemu Tainio, who was forced to leave the match at halftime with a groin injury. Despite having the better of the play in the second half, Sporting KC couldn't beat Bouna Coundoul.

The victory pushed the Red Bulls back into first place in the Eastern Conference, while the loss kept KC in last place in the East.

What did you think of Saturday's match? Impressed with Rodgers? Think Kansas City played well enough to earn a point?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. No kidding, it looked like Nielsen telegraphed that he was going to that side and Rafa shot like he was completing a passing drill, right into him. They’ve got to sort this out – both penalty kicks they have missed have been in the first 15 minutes at home. Early goals dictate the whole rest of the game.

    Why not put Henry in there when he now has the hot foot? Even Rodgers would have at least blasted the ball with some power and speed. And that De Rosario guy isn’t bad at shooting either. I’d even put Lindpere before Rafa.

    Glad that it didn’t cost them the game…in the second half it looked like a 2-0 victory would turn into a 1-1 tie.

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  2. I thought KC played well in the second half. When they brought on Smith, they took it to NYRB. They deserved a point, but so goes the game. Hopefully in their run of home games they can plenty of get points.

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  3. I feel bad for Kansas, I think they are a good team, and the numbers do not show that. They are playing 10 games away… in a row! until they have their new stadium. I also think Ryan Smith looked pretty good tonight and is definitely Natl team material he has superb skills , speed and IQ like I haven’t seen in a while for the US. I hope BB gives him a chance as I have read he is willing to pay for the US. (he’s English with American father) Does anybody agree with me on this?

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  4. RBNY is following MLS rules. If you don’t like it, go cry to the Commissioner and I’m sure he’ll file your complaints in the circular file drawer where he keeps his used kleenex.

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  5. no rafa has to stop taking corners and PKS he is lazy but other wise great time a win is a win and does anyone know the attendance for tonight looked like a good turn out.

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  6. Just got back from the game. Red Bulls looked solid in the first half but they’ve got to find someone who can take penalty kicks. Sheesh.

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  7. Carl Robinson is no Teemu Tainio. That’s basically it. I knew he was important, I just didn’t know the entire Red Bull attack would fall apart without him.

    And Rodgers is a beast. He has a rare set of skills that seems to fit in perfectly with the team. Speed to get to balls behind the defense and a good finishing touch. Not every player can slot balls home. He makes it look a lot easier than it is.

    What sticks out to me is Red Bull pressure in the final third. They force a lot of mistakes and constantly strip the ball off defenders. Clever Hans, indeed.

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  8. Yep, I’m happy. I wrote off Rodgers too early. It’s obvious that he pairs best with Titi, and Agudelo is a great second half player. A bit concerned about Tainio, though, as he left with a groin strain.

    Henry is looking fabulous. 3 goals and 3 assists so far this season.

    Can’t wait to see RSL play NY….also looking forward to LA v. NY in a few weeks.

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