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Wright-Phillips nets record hat-trick to lead Red Bulls past TFC

Photo by Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports
Photo by Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports

It was always going to be difficult to outdo themselves after a 7-0 thrashing at Yankee Stadium, but the New York Red Bulls came out flying on Saturday night and picked up another three points.

The Red Bulls defeated Toronto FC, 3-0, behind striker Bradley Wright-Phillips’ record-setting hat trick. The 31-year-old netted the fastest hat trick to start an MLS match, with all three finishes coming before the half hour mark.

Wright-Phillips picked up where he left off a week ago, scoring the game’s opener just three minutes into the match. After Felipe was taken down on the edge of the box, Sacha Kljestan stepped up to take the ensuing free kick and found Wright-Phillips.

The Kljestan to Wright-Phillips connection was back at it in the 25th minute, when the striker found the back of the net for his second goal of the game. Wright-Phillips then completed his hat trick two minutes later off of a creative buildup that started with Felipe.

Everything that could go wrong for Toronto did on the evening, starting with Sebastian Giovinco’s first-half exit. Already without Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, the Italian attacker left the match after just 22 minutes on the field due to an adductor injury.

Despite the three-goal deficit, the road team was given every opportunity to work their way back into match. On the stroke of halftime, Gonzalo Veron was shown a red card for the Red Bulls after a nasty challenge on Damien Perquis.

Toronto then opened the second half with a chance to pull a goal back from the penalty spot after Connor Lade took down Toronto’s Daniel Lovitz. The Red Bulls kept their shutout alive though when Luis Robles made a save on Will Johnson after the midfielder buried his initial attempt. Johnson’s first penalty was called back for encroachment by both teams.

Toronto will have a quick turnover, returning to the field on Wednesday night against the Montreal Impact in Canadian Cup action. The Red Bulls won’t play again until June 19 when the side hosts the Seattle Sounders.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Now tied for the MLS lead in goals (8), Bradley Wright-Phillips appears to have found his confidence again in front of net, and then some. His hat trick paced the Red Bulls attack heading into the squad’s extended layoff.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Toronto FC came close to making the match interesting in the early moments of the second half as Will Johnson stepped up to take a penalty kick, but his goal was called back due to encroachment by several players. Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles then made a huge save on the second attempt, preserving the home team’s 3-0 advantage.

MATCH TO FORGET

It’s not very often that Sebastian Giovinco can’t make an impact in a match, but Saturday was one of those rarities. The 28-year-old attacker exited the game prior to the half hour mark with an injury, and having tallied just one shot on the night.

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