New York Red Bulls hold off Orlando City SC on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena off the back of a first half free kick goal from soon-to-be Olympian John Tolkin. Red Bulls, who played their second game in four days, struggled with their finishing but were able to hold off a rudderless Orlando who continue to struggle in the goal-scoring department.
Red Bulls lacked their usual high-energy press in the first half but were still able to keep Orlando on their toes. Just minutes into the game, a cross found the head of defender Noah Eile who forced Pedro Gallese into a diving safe. From there the Red Bulls continued to push forward with the opposition unable to register any significant attempts on goal in the first half.
The opening goal came in the 39th minute when a Tolkin blasted a free kick from outside the box in a similar fashion to captain Emil Forsberg from one game earlier. The goal was well deserved as the Red Bulls controlled the game despite both clubs struggling to get significant efforts on goal.
The second half saw Orlando make early changes by bringing in Luis Muriel to boost their offense. While they were able to finally register a shot on target in the 46th minute, there was little danger in their counter attack that shook the Red Bulls. Substitute Elias Manoel nearly doubled the lead but the goal was disallowed as it followed a foul from Tolkin.
Tolkin eventually was pulled from the game due to a potential injury and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel appeared to battle through shoulder pain, stemming from a situation in midweek. Still, the club was able to push through and log another clean sheet, their fourth of the season.
The win brings Red Bulls even on points with NYCFC in third place, just four points back of FC Cincinnati for second in the Eastern Conference. New York will have slight rest as they won’t play against until taking to the road against New England Revolution next Saturday night.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis, S. Nealis, Eile (75′ O’Connor), Tolkin (74′ Duncan), Carmona (65′ Gjengaar), Edelman, Amaya, Forsberg(81′ Burke), Vanzeir (64′ Manoel), Lewis
Orlando City SC: Gallese; Brekalo, Cartagena, Schlegel, Thorhallsson (46′ Muriel), Araujo, Lodeiro (89′ Smith), Santos, Torres( 81′ Lynn), Angulo, McGuire (46′ Enrique)
SCORING SUMMARY:
39′ (New York Red Bulls) John Tolkin unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
61′ (New York Red Bulls) Daniel Edelman – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau