New York Red Bulls needed points in Charlotte but were unable to do so as a Kerwin Vargas first half goal hands the away team a loss that continues to put their playoff hopes in limbo. A strong performance in every stat but what matters will haunt New York as they will remain above the playoff line on goal difference but have now approached a point in the season where the results of other teams will be needed to continue their playoff streak.
Red Bulls came into the game looking for goal in the first half as the team controlled possession and had more attempts than the opposition. They also had moments in the midfield that led to dangerous turnovers where Charlotte was most potent. One such turnover led to the game’s only goal in the 30th minute. A pass into the box from Idan Toklomati was converted by Vargas, putting the visitors into a panic that never saw fruit come from their efforts.
Changed in the second half did little to boost their chances as Wiktor Bogacz, Julian Hall and Serge Ngoma could do little to influence the game. Eric Maxime Choupo-Moting did create dangerous moments but others on the field were their too long or too short in their efforts to convert their chances into goals. In the end, Charlotte were able to keep their distance in the standings from NYCFC and put an eight point gap between themselves and New York Red Bulls.
The loss is yet another on the road for New York who has yet to win more than just one game away from SI Stadium. Luckily for them, they’ll be returning home to play Columbus Crew SC next Saturday, putting additional pressure on the club to win and keep their hopes of a 15th straight playoff appearance in play.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis (46′ Duncan), Eile, Parker, Edwards, Stroud (77′ Hall), Edelman (60′ Donkor), Sofo (60′ Ngoma), Forsberg, Carmona (75′ Bogacz), Choupo-Moting
Charlotte FC: Khalina; Byrne, Malanda, Ream, Toffolo, Bronico (73′ Williamson), Diani, Westwood, Vargas (73′ Abada), Toklomati (90′ Goodwin), Zaha
SCORING SUMMARY:
30′ (Charlotte FC) Kerwin Vargas(5) assisted by Idan Toklomati
DISCIPLINE:
22′ (New York Red Bulls) Dylan Nealis – YELLOW CARD
37′ (New York Red Bulls) Daniel Edelman – YELLOW CARD
52′ (New York Red Bulls) Kyle Duncan – YELLOW CARD
88′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau