(HARRISON, NJ) The New York Red Bulls finished out the regular season in style with a 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union. For NY, it is just their third win on the road this season. The Red Bulls had very little to play for after all but guaranteeing a first place finish last week.. Holding no pressure or expectations, NY made the most of their opportunity to carry momentum into the playoffs.For the fourth straight meeting with the Union this year, NY took the lead early. Bradley Wright-Phillips beat the offside trap with a well-timed run. Fabinho lagged behind the play and allowed BWP to remain onside. Aurelien Collin played the ball in over the top and Wright-Phillips was in alone with Andre Blake. The 2016 MLS Golden Boot winner looped the ball over Blake’s head before tapping into the empty net. It was Bradley’s 24th goal of the year in the 26th minute.
Red Bulls Finish First, Unbeaten In 20
The Red Bulls remained dangerous throughout the half despite a more direct style of play against Philly. Alex Muyl put one off the crossbar just before the half, missing a golden opportunity to double the lead. The Union attacked but lacked the final pass and could only manage two off target shots in the first half.
The Red Bulls struck quickly after the half time whistle in the 57th minute. A throw in in the Union’s half of the field found Mike Grella linking up in a well-worked triangle with Dax McCarty and Sacha Kljestan. Grella found McCarty running to the end line. The Red Bull’s captain cut it back to Kljestan. The MLS assist leader played the ball through the center of the box, dinging through the Union defense. Eventually, Alex Muyl received the ball with plenty of space and time. Muyl calmly finished past Blake to double the lead.
NY finishes the season with a 20-game unbeaten streak dating back to July 3rd. For a team so often snake bit, the momentum of the second half of the season serves as validation for a dramatic turnaround from a poor start to the 2016 season. After just one win in their first eight games, the Red Bulls lost just three times for the rest of the season. Another point of criticism extends to the Red Bull’s inability to finish out games, dropping 20 points from leading positions. Even with all of those things against them, finishing first in the east is quite the accomplishment.
