Los Angeles, California — In the final game of the weekend, the New York Red Bulls faced LAFC. In what proved to be a wild ride, the Red Bulls dropped points in a 4-2 loss.
Home Team Scores Twice
At first, the Red Bulls did all the right things. They were able to disrupt LAFC on the attack in the opening 20 minutes. The energy on both sides of the ball made for heavy travel across the field. A set piece allowed for LA to break through. Meanwhile, Carlos Vela’s free kick found Jordan Harvey, who headed the ball for his first goal since 2017. Just two minutes later, Latif Blessing doubled the lead in the run of play.
Red Bull Rally
More often than not, a two-goal lead would have been the end for the Red Bulls. However, they rallied and continued the press that was forcing turnovers from LAFC. Venezuelan youth Cristian Casseres, Jr. pulled one back in the 42nd minute. Then, a clamor in the box resulted in the leveling goal. While Brian White got a foot on the ball, it was considered an own goal by LA goalkeeper Tyler Miller.
This goal has now been credited to Brian White. pic.twitter.com/FF1vQVGNPr
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) August 12, 2019
LAFC Dominates Latter 45
With the game level at the start of the second half, both sides had everything to play for. LAFC is undefeated at home and they were determined to keep it that way. While the ball found the back of the Red Bulls net moments into the second half, the goal was disallowed by Video Assisted Referee. There was a foul on Reed Bulls midfielder Sean Davis just as the attack was in the 18-yard box.
The game only grew more physical from there. Four Red Bulls were booked during the match, an anomaly for head referee Drew Fischer. Just after the hour mark, Red Bull first team newcomer Rece Buckmaster was called for a foul in the box, resulting in a kick from the spot. Vela converted to put LAFC ahead again.
Then Eddie Segura sealed up the game for the home side with another well-placed free kick by Vela. Try as they might, New York could not pull back more goals and the game ended 4-2.
What’s Next?
The New York Red Bulls return to Harrison for a rematch with the New England Revolution. The two sides will face off at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday.