Frisco, Texas (May 11, 2019) — The sky cleared in Frisco just in time for FC Dallas to welcome the New York Red Bulls for another soccer Saturday. Both teams are coming off a loss in their previous matches.
Heavy Rotation
Battling injury and fatigue following a midweek bout, manager Chris Armas made several changes to the starting XI. Red Bulls captain Luis Robles did not travel with the team, putting Ryan Meara between the sticks. The usual centerback pairing of Aaron Long and Tim Parker made way for goalscorer Amro Tarek and MLS Draft pick Sean Nealis. Brian White, back from injury, returned to the lineup alongside Andreas Ivan. This is also Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra’s first start following his suspension.
Early Score, Early Substitution
Less than 15 minutes into the first half, midfielder Cristian Casseres Jr. scored the opening goal. A screamer from just outside the 18-yard box skidded under the outstretched arm of FC Dallas goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez. Moments later, midfielder Vincent Bezecourt misstepped and had to leave the game.
Just before the half hour mark, FC Dallas needed a similar substitution, bringing Jesus Ferreira for Dominique Badji. The momentum subsided, keeping the action in the middle of the park. FC Dallas threatened the Red Bull goal in stoppage time. They broke through in the second minute of injury time, with Ferreira heading the ball past Meara to level the match.
🎶 I got the horses in the back 🎶
📸➡️ https://t.co/CiABfuNdrv#ToldWithExposure | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/IeqILEG35E
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) May 12, 2019
Second Half Breakthrough
Trying to get the edge again the Red Bulls found a more aggressive game as the second half began. For the fourth straight match, a defender makes the scoresheet. Panamanian international Michael Amir Murillo took his shot from distance and curled it into the net. Viable shots from Ivan and Derrick Etienne, Jr. followed close behind. Gonzalez went down moments afterwards and it seemed Jimmy Maurer would be called on to replace him.
With play shifting in favor of Dallas, Omir Fernandez took over for Etienne. Thomas Roberts came in for Jacori Hayes of FC Dallas for a renewed attacking option. To shore up the defense, the Red Bulls brought in Tim Parker for Kaku. Fernandez paired with Brian White, who scored a third goal for the Red Bulls. New York held on through five minutes of stoppage to bring three points back to Harrison, New Jersey.
The Red Bulls returns to Red Bull Arena to host defending MLS champions Atlanta United. FC Dallas travels to Los Angeles and Banc of California Stadium to face LAFC.
