Bridgeview, IL. (August 11, 2018) – The New York Red Bulls traveled to Toyota Park for a rematch against Chicago Fire. Their last meeting at Red Bulls Arena resulted in a rare home loss for RBNY. Chicago was winless in their last six matches, as well as an exit from the US Open Cup. A single goal in the second half had RBNY taking all three points on the night.
RECAP: New York Red Bulls Defeat Chicago Fire
Quiet start
The first fifteen minutes of the game remained in the middle of the park. Fire midfielder Brandt Bronico has issued a yellow card following a clash with Marc Rzatkowski (11′). Neither goalkeeper was challenged in the opening quarter-hour. Chicago started off strong in possession and proved dangerous in moments during the first half.
An opportunity for Red Bull came from Daniel Royer in the 20th minute, but the shot went wide. Moments later, defender Kemar Lawrence sent the ball well over the crossbar. German superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger, dropping back for Chicago, often disrupted the Red Bull attack.
Effective Defense
The back line was, not too long ago, the weak link for the Red Bulls. This season, the defense has been the highlight. Centerbacks Tim Parker and Aaron Long effectively shut down attacks. Outside backs Michael Amir Murillo and Kemar Lawrence are able to bring the ball up the channels and participate in the attack.
Wright-Phillips Scores First
In the 55th minute, RBNY striker Bradley Wright-Phillips fought through the defense to receive a ball from Royer. A quick tap in past Richard Sanchez put the Red Bulls ahead. His 15th goal of the season, Wright-Phillips edged out LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic in goals from the run of play for the season (Josef Martinez from Atlanta United leads with 20). The English striker with 101 goals in his MLS career, Wright-Phillips is the first to score at least fifteen goals in five consecutive seasons.
Debut For Andreas Ivan
Romanian youth international Andreas Ivan made his debut for the New York Red Bulls in the 85th minute. Coming in for Rzatkowski, Ivan was able to get a couple of touches on the ball in the waning minutes of the game. He drew a foul and was caught offside during stoppage time. Head coach Chris Armas had indicated that Ivan would see the field for RBNY as soon as possible. Depth in the attack was a growing concern for the team. Ivan offers a solution for that.
The Red Bulls go to Vancouver next Saturday to face the Whitecaps in a cross-conference match.
