QUEENS, N.Y. – New York Red Bulls were handed a heavy dose of reality as New York City FC are in firm control of the Hudson River Derby following a 2-0 win over their rivals on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. The win is the third regular season victory in a row for City and helps the club erase the black eye that was last year’s Eastern Conference semi final loss in the same building last November.
While Red Bulls controlled the statistical possession category, they did little with their control of the ball throughout most of the game. NYC showed more pace and ability to break in behind the defense. Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronal came up big at times, keeping his club in the game early. Eventually, that speed and dynamic play from forwards like Alonso Martinez broke through for Pascal Jansen’s men.
The opening goal came in the 13th minute when Justin Haak found Martinez at the top of the box. His shot, a Goal of the Week-contender, flew into the top left corner, past a diving Coronel. From there City continued to push the Red Bulls defense, forcing both defenders Noah Eile and Sean Davis into yellow cards that will see them miss the next fixture against DC United.
Entering the second half, Red Bulls knew they needed to step up their efforts but found little in their efforts. In fact it was NYC who looked the more dangerous team, pressuring goalkeeper Coronel into a rare mistake. His giveaway to Martinez in front of goal led to a pass that saw the second, and final, goal scored by City club legend Maxi Moralez. The second goal crippled Red Bulls’ chances as they attempted to mount a comeback but found next to nothing to break down City’s defense.
The win pushes NYCFC into sixth place at game time, recovering from a three-game skid where they couldn’t score a goal. The team will now get a much needed week or rest as they prepare for Chicago Fire next Sunday at Yankee Stadium.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Duncan, S. Nealis, Eile, Edwards, Carballo, Stroud (67′ Carmona), Gjengaar (57′ Harper), Forsberg (76′ Hall), Sofo (57′ Bogacz), Choupo-Moting
New York City FC: Freese; Gray (61′ Illenic), Haak, Martins, Risa (76′ Cavallo), O’Neill, Perea (61′ Shore), Moralez, Fernandez (61′ Ojeda), Martinez, Wolf (76′ Bakrar)
SCORING SUMMARY:
13′ (NYCFC) Alonso Martinez (7) assisted by Justin Haak
50′ (NYCFC) Maxi Moralez (1) assisted by Alonso Martinez
DISCIPLINE:
31′ (NYCFC) Julian Fernandez – YELLOW CARD
42′ (New York Red Bulls) Noah Eile – YELLOW CARD
54′ (New York Red Bulls) Sean Nealis – YELLOW CARD
63′ (New York Red Bulls) Kyle Duncan – YELLOW CARD
photo by Jordan Bank