HARRISON, N.J. – DC United scored a shock win over New York Red Bulls, 2-1 on Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium, reigniting a near 30-year rivalry between the clubs. Two first half goals from Joao Peglow decided the game as Red Bulls los their first home game of 2025.
The first half saw Sandro Schwarz’s men enter the game flat, giving the ball away in the midfield far too easily. DC was able to wait out their chances as they continually caught New York on the break, forcing key saves by Carlos Coronel in order to keep the game level. That ended in the 35th minute when Peglow turned off the shoulder of defender Tim Parker to score the first goal of the game.
Nine minutes later Peglow was able to double the lead with a “Goal of the Year” contending effort. A pass into the box from Aaron Herrera saw the Brazilian midfielder turn and unleash a bicycle kick effort past Coronel. Schwarz made an adjustment quickly, bringing on Serge Ngoma from the bench after an injury to Dylan Nealis. Heading into halftime, Red Bulls continued to look equally as sluggish as they did the previous week against Orlando City SC.
The pace quickened in New York in the second half, powered by additional lineup changes. Julian Hall and Noah Eile to stabilize the team. Red Bulls chased the game and eventually got their first goal of the game when a ball into the box from midfielder Felipe Carballo found captain Emil Forsberg. From there the ball made its way to Eric Choupo-Moting who scored his fourth goal of the campaign.
Red Bulls continued to pressure but DC were able to hold onto the win thanks to sturdy defending and a bit of mind games through strategic delays. United were able to keep Red Bulls off balance and win their first away win of the season, sending New York into the week looking for answers to their recent form.
New York will return to Sports Illustrated Stadium next week against CF Montreal in the hopes of finding their rhythm against even worse Eastern Conference opposition.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis (38′ Ngoma), Hack, Parker (46′ Eile), Valencia (79′ Bogacz), Carballo, Stroud (46′ Hall), Gjengaar (56′ Carmona), Forsberg, Harper, Choupo-Moting
DC United: Barraza; Rowles, McNaughton, Bartlett, Herrera, Kijima (67′ Enow), Servania, Schnegg, Stroud (67′ Murrell), Benteke (29′ Badji), Peglow
SCORING SUMMARY:
35′ (DC United) Joao Peglow (2) assisted by Luis Barraza
44′ (DC United) Joao Peglow (3) assisted by Aaron Herrera and David Schnegg
57′ (New York Red Bulls) Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (4) assisted by Emil Forsberg & Felipe Carballo
DISCIPLINE:
71′ (New York Red Bulls) Alexander Hack – YELLOW CARD
81′ (DC United) Luis Barraza – YELLOW CARD
88′ (DC United) Dom Badji – YELLOW CARD
88′ (New York Red Bulls) Alexander Hack – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank