Harrison, New Jersey (April 6, 2019) — The New York Red Bulls, trying to adjust their sails following back-to-back losses, hosted Minnesota United at Red Bull Arena. They faced a stronger Minnesota team, now in their third season of MLS. The Red Bulls lineup featured a number of changes.
Younger New York Red Bulls lineup falls to Minnesota United, 2-1
Despite a goal from Cristian Casseres Jr., the Red Bulls fell 2-1 at home.
Youth Dominates Starting XI
Mathias Jørgensen, the 18-year-old Danish international, made his first Red Bulls start. Playing up top alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips, he took his first shot within minutes of the opening whistle. He also cleared a ball in the 10th minute following a free kick. Jørgensen had another chance 15 minutes later, when he was squeezed out by the defense.
In the 22nd minute, he had a shot go wide of the far post. His frustration caused him to press on. Meanwhile, Homegrown player Derrick Etienne Jr. replaced Jørgensen just before the hour mark.
Venezuelan youth international Cristian Casseres Jr. went the full 90 minutes. Considered the replacement for Tyler Adams in the midfield, Casseres was impressive throughout the match. He was winning duels and forcing turnovers within the high press. Casseres scored the only Red Bulls goal in the 70th minute, collecting a rebound from Minnesota goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
GOAL: @Casseres23 scores his first @MLS goal#RBNY pic.twitter.com/UUqv5leOSz
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 7, 2019
Early Forced Substitution
Just 20 minutes into the match, midfielder Alex Muyl had to be taken out. Austrian attacker Daniel Royer entered a moment later. Royer’s ability to scramble off the ball like Muyl made the substitution effective for the remainder of the match.
Loons Make the Scoreboard
Minnesota United opened the scoring in the 34th minute, with Abu Danladi laying a low shot past Luis Robles. The Red Bulls had to chase the game going into the second half. Romario Ibarra doubled the lead within moments of the second half start. Minnesota was prepared to capitalize on chances and see through chaos to score.
Last Word on #RBNYvMIN
The New York Red Bulls do not wear possession well. They are used to taking the ball in the attacking third and creating chances. If this is how RBNY is going to play as they move forward in the season, they will have to balance that with other tactics up top. Manager Chris Armas mentioned the option of a 4-2-2-2 formation. How effective an adjustment this is remains to be seen.
What’s Next?
The Red Bulls will hit the road to face Sporting Kansas City next Sunday, April 14. Beginning at 7 p.m. ET, the Red Bulls and Sporting KC will air on national channel Fox Sports 1.
? on the prize.#RBNYvMIN | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/lPEq7wj4kz
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 7, 2019
PHOTO: Mathias Jørgensen looks on during the New York Red Bulls loss against Minnesota United FC on April 6, 2019, at Red Bull Arena. Photo courtesy of Bill Twomey/Last Word on Soccer.
