HARRISON, NJ – Many rivalries have defined a league since its inception. D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls have clashed with memorable matches throughout the years since they first butted heads in 1996. While the Red Bulls have dominated this series as of late, the hatred between these two old foes has continued unabated.
Former Red Bulls Head Coach Troy Lesesne brought his team to his old stomping grounds, seeking three points at the expense of his former team.
The visitors didn’t take long to make their mark on the scoreboard. Just six minutes into the match, Jacob Murrell hooked up with Jared Stroud, and the former Red Bull midfielder found a soft opening in the New York defense and took full advantage. Taking his shot from the center of the box, passed the outstretched hands of Ryan Meara in the back of the net.
Red Bulls tried to respond less than two minutes later as Eilas Manoel took a pass and launched a blistering shot that drifted wide, just missing the right post by mere inches.
Red Bulls had yet another chance in the 15th minute, but that would be for naught as John Tolkin delivered a great cross from a set piece, but Dylan Nealis’ header was a bit too high as the ball sailed over the net.
The match took a disturbing turn for the visitors in the 20th minute as Cristian Dajome, who received a yellow card earlier in the 14th minute, received a second yellow card after a bad foul on Cameron Harper and thus was ejected from the match.
The craziness didn’t end there as the Red Bulls pressed the attack. Matti Peltola fouled Sean Nealins in the box, and a penalty was given in the 23rd minute. D.C. United Captain Pedro Santos forcefully argued the call, but to no avail, and was given a yellow card for dissent. Elias Manoel converted the penalty kick, calmly slotting home the equalizer.
However, the visitors struck back. Late into stoppage time, Ronald Donkor conceded a foul just outside the box, which set up a set-piece situation for United. Pedro Santos delivered a beautiful shot in the net’s top right corner.
The first half ended with the Red Bulls searching for answers after being befuddled by a team with nothing to lose, despite being man down in a heated rivalry match.
The second half saw the Red Bulls struggle against the defensive shape setup by D.C. United. Lewis Morgan and Cory Burke tried to connect in the 65th minute, but Burke could not put the ball on frame and headed the ball wide to his left.
However, the Red Bulls would equalize the match in the 78th minute as Cameron Harper took a cross from Kyle Duncan and did not miss from close range, and the home supporters roared in delight.
The home supporters were sensing something down the stretch as the clock ticked closer to the 90th minute, the players on the bench urging their teammates to move the ball forward. However, the Red Bulls would not get the game-winner as the rain came down, cementing the draw, as the home streak has reached a record ten matches.
Final Thoughts:
As the fans streamed out of Red Bull Arena, the expressions are one of frustration, rather than adulation. Basically, they were expecting a win, instead they witnessed a frustrating draw at the hands of their bitter rivals, while they retain the Atlantic Cup Trophy for another season, the focus will be at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union to do something they haven’t done since 2018… Win a match on the road.
Starting Lineups:
D.C. United: Tyler Miller, Matti Peltola, Lucas Bartlett, Aaron Herrera, Cristian Dajome, Jared Stroud (6′), Mateusz Klich, Martin Rodriguez (Christopher McVey 89′), Pedro Santos (45+4′), Jacob Murrell, Theodore Ku-DiPietro (Gabriel Pirani 81′)
New York Red Bulls: Ryan Meara, Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, John Tolkin, Dennis Gjengaar (Lewis Morgan 45′), Ronald Donkor (Kyle Duncan 59′), Wiki Carmona, Cameron Harper (Emil Forsberg 85′), Elias Manoel (24′)(Julian Hall 59′), Dante Vanzeir (Cory Burke 59′)
Scoring Summary:
6′ – D.C. United – Jared Stroud, assisted by Jacob Murrell
24′ – New York Red Bulls – Elias Manoel, converted penalty
45+4′ – D.C. United – Pedro Santos, unassisted
78′ – New York Red Bulls – Cameron Harper, assisted by Kyle Duncan
Disciplinary Summary:
14′ – D.C. United – Cristian Dajome – Yellow Card
20′ – D.C. United – Cristian Dajome – Second Yellow Card/Red Card
23′ – D.C. United – Pedro Santos – Yellow Card
28′ – New York Red Bulls – Ronald Donkor – Yellow Card
52′ – D.C. United – Martin Rodriguez – Yellow Card
70′ – New York Red Bulls – Cory Burke – Yellow Card
83′ – D.C. United – Aaron Herrera – Yellow Card
90+2′ – D.C. United – Tyler Miller – Yellow Card