New York Red Bulls advance to the MLS Cup Final after a 1-0 win over Orlando City SC. Defender Andres Reyes made the difference early in the second half, sending the team to their second MLS Cup final in team history.
The Red Bulls entered the game lacking their designated player Felipe Carballo who had a goal in both rounds of the playoffs but sporting a defensive record that is beyond respectable for teams still in the competition. Both teams played tight in the first half, something that Orlando has done well thus far in the playoffs, keeping opposition to limited opportunities.
Early in the second half is when all of that changed as Andres Reyes knocked in an opportunity that put the Red Bulls ahead 1-0. The goal upset the course of play, putting Orlando on the back foot and placing a Red Bull on the front foot that has been comfortable as the underdog. The away team limited further opportunities and stifled the home side to take the win and qualify for their second MLS Cup Final in team history.
The win give head coach Sandro Schwarz the distinction of taking the club to the final after just one season in charge and delivering a much needed energy to a club that long saw themselves as the bridesmaid of the league’s ever changing competition structure. Now they await the winners of LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders in their hunt for an MLS Cup. The first in club history.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; S. Nealis, Reyes (71′ Eile), D. Nealis, Harper (84′ Donkor), Edelman, Stroud, Tolkin, Forsberg (85′ Manoel), Vanzeir (71′ Carmona) , Morgan (90′ Burke)
Orlando City SC: Gallese; Thorhallsson (61′ Muriel), Schlegel, Jansson, Rafael Santos, Araujo (88′ Jack Lynn), Cartagena (71′ Lodeiro), Torres, Ojeda, Angulo (88′ Smith), Erique (61′ McGuire)
SCORING SUMMARY:
47′ (New York Red Bulls) Andres Reyes (1) assisted by John Tolkin
DISCIPLINE:
24′ (New York Red Bulls) Andres Reyes – YELLOW CARD
90′ (Orlando City FC) Rodrigo Schlegel – YELLOW CARD
67′ (New York Red Bulls) Sean Nealis – YELLOW CARD