RECAP: Late Drama Sees Red Bulls Draw Again

HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls leave points on the table yet again, this time settling for an eventful 2-2 draw with Atlanta United at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night. The draw extends their winless streak dating back to July 20th but it does restore their position of fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Early on Atlanta United had a difficult time with the Red Bulls. Their pace and pressure stunted Atlanta, giving New York the chance to pounce first. They attempted to do so when Lewis Morgan put in a rebound effort but had it called off due to offsides. As the corner kicks mounted and the pressure continued, it was only a matter of time before the home team found the back of the net. That happened in the 30th minute when maligned striker Dante Vanzeir found his third goal of the season. A low pass from John Tolkin found the designated player but the offense didn’t stop there.

Before the halftime whistle the situation changed dramatically for New York as Felipe Carballo fouled an Atlanta player in the box, awarding the away team a penalty. Alexey Miranchuk scored to equalize, shifting the momentum right before the break.

The second half saw more of the same, with New York pressuring but not able to find the back of the net. It wasn’t until late that the opportunity presented itself when Elias Manoel was fouled in the box. The striker stepped up to take the penalty but had it saved by veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan. From there disaster struck as Edwin Mosquera came off the bench to score early in stoppage time.

When all looked to be lost it was the same Manoel who missed his penalty that found a point for New York and kept them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Next week is the Hudson River Derby with everything on the line for their playoff seeding.

STARTING XI:

New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis, Reyes, Eile, Tolkin, Gjengaar (64′ Hall), Carballo (64′ Donkor), Edelman, Harper (76′ Ngoma), Morgan, Vanzeir (76′ Manoel)

Atlanta United: Guzan; Lennon, Gregerson, Williams, Cobb (46′ Brennan), Amador, Slisz, Miranchuk, Fortune, Lobjanidze (90′ Mosquera), Thiare (71′ Rios)

SCORING SUMMARY:
30′ (New York Red Bulls) Dante Vanzeir (3) assisted by John Tolkin
45′ (Atlanta United) Alexey Miranchuk (2) – PK
90′ (New York Red Bulls) Elias Manoel (7) assisted by Lewis Morgan

DISCIPLINE:
45′ (New York Red Bulls) Felipe Carballo – YELLOW CARD
68′ (Atlanta United) Saba Lobjanidze – YELLOW CARD
73′ (New York Red Bulls) Carlos Coronel – YELLOW CARD
87′ (New York Red Bulls) Dylan Nealis – YELLOW CARD