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Pair of quick goals push D.C. United to comeback tie with Red Bulls

Photo by Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports

Up 2-0 in the 64th minute, the New York Red Bulls appeared to be cruising to a rivalry win over D.C. United. However, a three-minute breakdown saw the Red Bulls shut off defensively as two precious points slipped away at RFK Stadium.

Goals from Marcelo Sarvas and Patrick Mullins saw the hosts erase a two-goal deficit between the 70th and 73rd minutes, earning D.C. United a 2-2 draw with their rivals on Sunday night.  The draw sees the Red Bulls remain third in the East while D.C. United climbs into sixth place in the conference.

The game was headlined by a lengthy rain delay, but the elements influenced play greatly even as the teams returned to the field. Puddles played a part throughout Sunday’s match, as both sides were forced to cope with a  poorly drained RFK pitch.

The first half was a sloppy affair, but seven minutes before halftime, Bradley Wright-Phillips gave the Red Bulls the lead. It was Mike Grella, though, who performed the leg work, working the ball deep into the D.C. box. A cross in was volleyed home by Wright-Phillips, giving the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead via the Englishman’s 14th goal of the year and third in two games.

Wright-Philliped turned provider on the Red Bulls’ second, assisting Felipe for a 64th minute finish as the Brazilian pounced on a ball played across the box.

D.C. began their comeback from the penalty spot in the 70th minute as Sarvas scored after former Red Bull Lloyd Sam was taken down in the box. Three minutes later, Mullins headed home from close range on a headed pass from Steve Birnbaum, sealing a point for the home team.

The Red Bulls return to action next Sunday against the New England Revolution, while D.C. visits the Montreal Impact for a Wednesday match.

MAN OF THE MATCH

While he was a bit fortunate with the assist, Bradley Wright-Phillips was a handful as usual and did well to finish off his goal in the first half.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Marcelo Sarvas’ penalty kick turned the game, helping lead D.C. United on a comeback that earned a hard-fought home point.

MATCH TO FORGET

For the third time in three road games, the Red Bulls coughed up a multi-goal lead on the road as the team’s defense continues to collapse away from home.

Comments

  1. Jesse Marsh has got to figure something out for his team to kill games. He is just too tactically unsophisticated. Too many points lost in situations like these.

    BTW – Good for Patrick Mullins!

    Reply

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