Harrison, New Jersey (April 27, 2019) — The New York Red Bulls welcomed FC Cincinnati for their first bout as an MLS team. The teams last met in the 2017 Lamar Hunt Open Cup, when a come-from-behind win eliminated FC Cincinnati.
The New York Red Bulls celebrated Autism Awareness Night, with specialized “Light It Up Blue” uniforms. A first-half goal for New York was enough to seal a win, their second of the season
Lineup Changes Lead to Red Bulls Win
This marks the first game for the MLS season without striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. A reported muscle strain kept him out of the lineup entirely. Midfielder Alex Muyl returned from an ankle injury to make the Starting XI. Kemar Lawrence, sidelined with the flu, began his evening on the bench. He joined the match in the 76th minute, replacing Amro Tarek.
Tonight's good luck charm 👶@clade5 | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/uJ8Kafpv7U
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 28, 2019
Early Chances
The Red Bulls took the upper hand in the opening minutes of the match. Forward Brian White was a step behind a cross early on. A free kick just missed defender Tim Parker. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati worked well on the counterattack, bringing a few threats toward Luis Robles. Defenders Amro Tarek and Aaron Long took the lead, preventing goalkeeper Luis Robles from having to make any saves in the first half.
Strong First Half Finish
At the 38th minute, a cross from Brian White was redirected by Daniel Royer. Defender Connor Lade took the shot and opened his account for the 2019 season. The Red Bulls are exceptionally comfortable with their defenders in scoring positions, a byproduct of the high press.
Secon Half Bookings
Within two minutes of the second half whistle, FCC defender Justin Hoyte received a yellow card for a strong tackle on Alex Muyl. Leonardo Bertone was also booked in the 51st minute. Muyl earned a yellow as well for contact with Cincy goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton. FCC captain Kendall Waston followed moments later following a tackle on Omir Fernandez. There were so many successive bookings sparked a frantic pace on both sides of the ball.
Controlled Closure
Taking a defensive stance, manger Chris Armas replaced Fernandez with Michael Amir Murillo. It was enough to keep the FC Cincinnati at bay for the remainder of the game. Their attacks struck the post and the Red Bulls regained control. Mathias Jorgensen entered the math in the 86th minute to allow Brian White a rest. With this win, the Red Bulls can prepare for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the visting LA Galaxy next Saturday.
PRESS CONFERENCE: Head Coach Chris Armas https://t.co/46IgXm3fPn
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 28, 2019
