The New York Red Bulls traveled north to face a struggling Toronto FC. An early goal from Kemar Lawrence set the tone for the Canada Day match-up. Marked with high temperatures and heated tempers, both teams struggled. With this win, the Red Bulls leapfrogged into second place in the Eastern Conference.
New York Red Bulls Move to Second in the Eastern Conference After 1-0 Win Over Toronto FC
Kemar Lawrence Scores Opening Goal
His second goal in as many games, the Jamaican fullback scored in the fourth minute. Lawrence’s shot was low and wide. It skirted past the sleeping defense. Toronto goalkeeper Alexander Bono nearly jumped on it, but it slipped past his hands and into the far corner of the net. The Red Bulls spent the rest of the match holding onto that lead.
Goalkeeper Luis Robles Saves the Day
This was no easy task. Toronto kept the ball in New York’s end of the field. Mandatory hydration breaks allowed for small tactical adjustments. While Toronwasere chasing the game, they were doing a good job of it. They had a total of 14 shots. RBNY defender Tim Parker was called for a handball in the box. Striker Sebastian Giovinco stepped to the spot in the 75th minute. Robles saved the shot, one of eight saves on the day.
Red Bulls Falter Overall
Although RBNY took all three points, the overall game was a struggle. Defender Aaron Long, selected for this year’s MLS All-Star Game, lost his footing during an advance from Jordan Hamilton (46′). Marc Rzatkowski replaced Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra to shore up the middle of the field. Ethan Kutler, a defender, replaced striker Bradley Wright-Phillips as added insurance in the waning minutes of the match.
Touted as a new rivalry following the off-field tussle during last year’s playoffs, there were several dust-ups during the match. Of particular note was a face-off between Toronto captain Michael Bradley and New York midfielder Tyler Adams. The RBNY phenom was most recently called to the men’s national team in Bradley’s position and jersey number. Four yellow cards were given by referee Hilario Grajeda.
The third Hudson River Derby of 2018 against NYCFC will take place next Sunday at Yankee Stadium.
