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Red Bulls ride Wright-Phillips winner to road victory vs. FC Dallas

Bradley Wright-Phillips

By RYAN TOLMICH

It may not have been ideal, but the New York Red Bulls got what they came for against FC Dallas. Despite a less-than-impressive effort, the Red Bulls picked up a 1-0 victory at Toyota Park via a second-half goal from red-hot Bradley Wright-Phillips .

It didn’t take long for things to shift in favor of the visitors. FC Dallas defender Je-Vaughn Watson was issued a red card in the 10th minute for a studs-up foul on Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill, giving the Red Bulls an early advantage.

Despite being a man down, it was FC Dallas who proved to be the aggressor for much of the match, with the hosts outshooting the opposition 11-9 on the afternoon. FC Dallas’ best opportunity of the game came via a 59th minute penalty after a Cahill foul in the box on a FC Dallas counterattack. Blas Perez’s ensuing shot was saved by a diving Luis Robles, who finished the game with three saves.

Unfortunately for the hosts, the Red Bulls capitalized on their biggest chance of the afternoon, as Wright-Phillips 71st minute goal proved to be enough for the Red Bulls to escape with the victory.

The goalscoring play was initiated by Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty, whose through ball from the midfield found a streaking Thierry Henry in the attacking third. Henry then slid the ball across the box as the FC Dallas defense swarmed, finding Wright-Phillips on the back post for an easy finish. It was the fifth goal in three games for the Red Bulls striker and his sixth goal of the season.

It may not have been the prettiest win for the Red Bulls, but Wright-Phillips and co. now find themselves tied for the top spot in the Eastern Conference riding a four-game unbeaten streak. The loss sees FC Dallas drop to third in the Western Conference, just three points behind the Seattle Sounders.

Here are the match highlights:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn6u5OSSmGE]

Comments

  1. I actually thought this was a game well suited for Ruben Bover. Red Bulls lacked a lot of creativity yesterday, (Henry’s pass aside), and Peguy came in to help but Bover has a nice touch and good skill on the ball. He could have given some quality minutes of ball control in the middle of the field for the last 20 minutes. I’d like to see him get a few more minutes! Go Red Bulls!

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  2. Officiating was awful, red card aside. Looked to me like it wasn’t entirely intentional, but he definitely could have pulled his foot up out of the way even if Dax gave him a little push.

    I didn’t start watching until 10 minutes after the red card, and was really impressed with the way we were able to keep up the pressure. Castillo needs more close control training, I lost count of how many times he lost out when trying to get past his marker down the flank. Been looking forward to Garcia’s debut for a while now, and he looked great.

    Even a man down we were unlucky not to get at least a point, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. There are more than a few positives to take away from the game, so keep your heads up!

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  3. Pretty ugly match but what do you expect when MLS schedules a match for the middle of the afternoon in Dallas? Games played in 90 degree+ temperatures generally do not produce exciting soccer. Delighted with the win though especially after the Dallas team spent the last 80 minutes of the match behaving like little children over any decision that didn’t go their way. Ref lost control of the game although both the red card and the penalty decision were correct. Maybe the worst game I’ve seen Henry for RBNY but he still delivered the winning assist.

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  4. How old is Robles? Could he be in the MNT mix on the future? Or has that ship sailed, with guys like Hamid and Johnson waiting in the wings? Right now Robles is better than either of them.

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  5. what’s up with Andrés Escobar, maybe i’ve missed something (injured?), but I thought he’d be playing quite a bit for FCD?!? came over with much promise.

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  6. Luis Robles was fantastic again! Strong save on that penalty kick and coming big several times to keep us in the game. Absolutely Man of the Match!

    Happy Henry chose to pass to BWP instead of shooting for the sole reason it re-enforced the idea that that cross across the face of goal is always an option. BWP was there for it, fought for it, and completed the play. As you do.

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  7. Here’s MLS thinking for you: RBNY plays two midweek night games at home in cold weather, but when it comes to playing in Dallas the league schedules it for the midday sweltering heat.

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  8. Terrible showing from the Red Bulls, but ugly games like this which result in a win are needed if they are looking to make another run at Supporters Shield… Not every victory will be convincing, or even deserving but those games are the ones that keep you alive at the end of season.

    Good job Red Bulls and amazing effort from FC Dallas.

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    • This was an awful, awful match to watch. A very poor promotion for MLS. The first half was an absolute disgrace.

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