Another away game, another game the New York Red Bulls see a two-goal lead slip away. In a very back and forth match, the Red Bulls saw themselves go up two goals twice against Toronto FC. This match saw the Red Bulls be very clinical in capitalizing on the mistakes made by Toronto. However, in the end the Red Bulls only came away with a point, now extending their MLS unbeaten streak to a club record of 12. There were a few solid performances, but there were also a few that were not so great.
New York Red Bulls Grades vs Toronto FC
Notable Performances
Bradley Wright-Phillips: A-
We can only wonder where the Red Bulls would be right now without the scoring of BWP. Knocking in two goals today, BWP became the first player in MLS history to have two seasons of scoring 20 or more goals. He extended his scoring streak to seven which is just one match short of tying the record. Wright-Phillips has also extended his Golden Boot lead to three over New York CIty FC’s David Villa. Continuing at the pace he is on, BWP could come very close to his mark of 27 goals two seasons ago. No matter how you look at it, the prolific Red Bulls striker is hot right now.
Sacha Kljestan: B-
Kljestan continues to be one of the best offensive weapons in all of MLS. Similar to BWP when scoring goals, all it seems to take is one open opportunity for Sacha to pick out the perfect pass and hurt you. This was on display again today as Kljestan played a beautiful through ball right into the path of an oncoming BWP who slotted it home for his second of the game. This assist was Kljestan’s 16th of the season and now holds a three assist lead over Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco.
Daniel Royer: C+
This was respectable performance from the Austrian international. Not really doing much to hurt the cause, Royer seemed a little winded in his second MLS start with the Red Bulls. Possibly not fit enough to keep the high pressure the Red Bulls like to maintain, Royer’s pressure did lead to Bradley Wright-Phillips’ first goal of the match as it caused a slip up and led to the chip in by BWP. One can imagine once Royer is fit enough he may every well be sliding into a starting role permanently. Royer has been very solid in the matches he has appeared in this season.
Alex Muyl: D
No one will ever question Muyl’s work ethic in a match. One can clearly see he works his tail off no matter what is happening. However, in a very similar performance from his match on Thursday against Alianza FC in CONCACAf Champions League, it just wasn’t a good showing. Losing the ball, committing unnecessary fouls, and poor passing. It has certainly been a rough few weeks for the Red Bulls homegrown talent.
Kemar Lawrence: D
This was just a nightmare of a match for Kemar Lawrence. Past a clearance on Jozy Altidore in the first half, there was not much positive for the Jamaican International. On defense, he seemed very uncomfortable the entire match. Even when making a defensive play on the ball Lawrence seemed very unsure of himself. On the other side of the ball, any pass Lawrence tried to make was cleared away easily and any cross Lawrence sent in from the wing ended up sailing everywhere but to a Red Bull player. No one doubts Lawrence’s pace, it just seems his touch is non-existent at the moment.
