HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls salvage a 1-1 draw with Sporting KC thanks to an 89th minute equalizer from young forward Julian Hall at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night. The draw means that the team avoids their first two-game skid of the campaign and surpass their point total from 2023, while also putting some breathing space between themselves and NYCFC in fifth place.
The first half saw little in the way of action. Both teams battled in the midfield, losing possession but not giving away any major chances. The best opportunity for New York came when a pass from Daniel Edelman opened space for Corey Burke. KC goalkeeper Tim Melia attacked the ball, leaving striker Elias Manoel with an open chance at goal. The young Brazilian striker put the ball wide, completing a first half where neither team registered a shot on target.
The second half saw new designated player Felipe Carballo replace Ronald Donkor. While he did stabilize the passing in the midfield, New York wasn’t keen enough with their decision making and gave the ball away in their own half. Midfielder Jake Davis was able to find KC striker Alan Pulido who beat Ryan Meara for the game’s opening goal.
New York pushed with substitutions such as Serge Ngoma, Julian Hall and Dante Vanzeir. However, they were unable to find the creativity necessary to find the equalizing goal. The frustrating performance was salvaged in the 89th minute when Hall dribbled into the box with a pass from John Tolkin. His shot on goal froze Melia as the ball tucked into the bottom left corner of the net.
The result isn’t what New York preferred but it does keep them from dropping another game at home. The point also puts pressure on NYCFC and Charlotte FC who are chasing for the final home playoff spot by four and five points respectively. Next is a trip to Soldier Field in Chicago to take on the Fire on Saturday night.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Meara; D. Nealis, Reyes, S. Nealis, Tolkin, Harper (74′ Ngoma), Edelman, Donkor (46′ Carballo), Stroud (58′ Gjengaar), Manoel (81′ Hall), Burke (58′ Vanzeir)
Sporting KC: Melia; Shelton, Rosero (45′ Castellanos), Voloder, Leibold, Davis, Bassong, Russell (83′ Walter), Thommy (90′ Rodriguez), Salloi, Pulido
SCORING SUMMARY:
55′ (Sporting KC) Alan Pulido (6) assisted by Jake Davis
89′ (New York Red Bulls) Julian Hall (2) assisted by John Tolkin
DISCIPLINE:
22′ (New York Red Bulls) Ronald Donkor – YELLOW CARD
66′ (New York Red Bulls) Felipe Carballo – YELLOW CARD
87′ (Sporting KC) Jake Davis – YELLOW CARD
90′ (Sporting KC) Jake Davis – RED CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau