Photo By Danny Wild/USA Today Sports
By MATT STYPULKOSKI
HARRISON, N.J. – In the previous edition of the Hudson River Derby, the New York Red Bulls felt they held New York City FC to just 15 or 20 good minutes. On Sunday, they once again stifled their cross-river rivals’ influence on the game.
The Red Bulls weathered NYCFC’s onslaught over the first 10 minutes, then controlled much of the remainder, earning a 2-0 victory that completed a season sweep of their expansion neighbors in the process.
Bradley Wright-Phillips opened the scoring in the 21st minute, when a defensive blunder from Jefferson Mena left him wide open from tap-in range.
Kemar Lawrence started the Red Bulls’ move, streaking down the left wing on the counter and whipping in a low cross. After Mena’s sliding attempt to block the cross went awry – the ball snuck through his legs as he went to ground – Wright-Phillips was left unmarked inside six yards for a simple finish.
In the 85th minute, Felipe doubled the advantage by rolling a right-footed shot from about 15 yards that snuck through the NYCFC backline and past an outstretched Saunders.
In the first 10 minutes, the 2-0 scoreline could well have gone in the other direction, as NYCFC’s big-name talent managed a pair of quality chances to grab the lead but was unable to capitalize.
The first effort came off the foot of Frank Lampard, who made his first start since joining the club in early July. The English midfielder was played through at the top of the penalty area by striker David Villa’s one-touch pass, but fired wide of the goal.
Four minutes later, it was Mix Diskerud who came close. This time, Angelino created the chance with a cross from the left side, which found the U.S. international all alone about 12 yards from goal. Diskerud hit his volley well, but right at Luis Robles, who parried it away.
From there, the Red Bulls’ high-pressing approach neutralized NYCFC’s midfield for long stretches of the game and prevented any real equalizing threat.
As a result, NYCFC remains in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind the Montreal Impact, which holds the sixth-and-final playoff position. Their next task will be equally difficult, as they host league-leading D.C. United on Thursday night.
The Red Bulls’ three points vaults them into second place in the East, eight points behind D.C. United with three games in hand. Their next test comes Saturday, when fourth-place Toronto FC visits Red Bull Arena.
and the Red Bulls reserve team beat Chelsea and all stars beat Spurs so we are much better than the Premier League, forget all that best league in the world crap, MLS is top! – haha
does this mean that if word of this ‘high press’ gets across the pond to places like aston villa, hull city, burnley and qpr that the epl might be turned upside-down overnight?
It tends to burn teams out, which is why squads with less depth (like the relegation strugglers) tend to avoid it.
I’m happy the Red Bulls are doing well right now, but it’s still early. If Marsh’s style leads to a team that’s tired and has a lot of injuries in October, then it’s not a success. We’ll see.
Rough night for citeh.
2015 scorecard:
Kings of NY 3
Pretenders to the crown 0
The two big MLS games, NY and the SS vs LAG games, were much better Soccer that all of the EPL I watched this weekend! Maybe it’s just midseason vs opening weekend but the NY game was impressive. Marsh has done well with that team.
You are not premitted to say that. Probably you first time offense. Dont let it happen again.
Btw, disagree on the Sounders. They absolutely stink. Currently worst team in MLS.
I have to hand it to you, Red Bull fans. You’ve got a good team. Can’t wait for when DC and NJ meet in the playoffs. Should be fun.
Like the last two games and last year in the playoffs the Red Bulls will beat the DC Scum’s derriere again!
You’d like to think that, but you’d be wrong.
Not just liking but knowing!
Your team has to win at least one MLS Cup, before you can start talking smack about a team that won it many times.
I mean, their ancient MLS Cup history didn’t help them in last year’s playoffs when we beat them. The smack talk seemed okay then. It’s not like anyone’s confusing the trophy math.
NY is SWEEPING RED!
New York is most certainly Red! The Red Bulls have the brooms out and are sweeping away. The Bulls’s D held firm. Miazga and Perrinelle as well as Lade and Lawrence did well for most of the game and when they didn’t Luis Robles came up big. Grella played ok most of the game but when NYCFC tired he found his way through their defensive third and goosed Lampard on the way to Felipe’s goal. Proud of the Red Bulls!