BWP Goal Sends New York Red Bulls to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
Jul 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) celebrates his winning goal with midfielder Daniel Royer (77) during the second half of the New York Red Bulls 1-0 win over the New England Revolution at Jordan Field. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Red Bulls traveled to Cambridge, Mass. on Thursday night in a heated US Open Cup quarterfinal match.

The New York Red Bulls were victorious against a strong New England side in the quarter-finals of the US Open Cup. A red card for New England’s Angoua midway in the second half all but sealed the fate of the Revolution’s US Open Cup journey. A late goal in the 87th minute by BWP sealed the win and advancement to the semifinals for RBNY.

The starting line up for RBNY:

Adams
Lade
Felipe
Zizzo
Kljestan
Meara
Muyl
Davis
Long
Royer
Wright-Phillips

In the first 15 minutes of the first half, both teams failed to break through. While competitive, the match only saw two shots, neither on goal. Possession early on was in the Revolution’s favor. A yellow card was also issued in the 13th minute to New England’s Antonio Mlinar Delamea.

In the 23rd minute, Aaron Long received RBNY’s first yellow card of the match. A free kick opportunity right outside the box resulted from the foul. The free kick was blocked by the wall.

In the later part of the first half attacking opportunities were prolific. Shots increased and the goalies were tested. Felipe and Sacha Kljestan both had opportunities that tested the goalies.

The best opportunity of the match was produced by BWP. He took a hard shot from inside the 18 to the near post. Brad Knighton’s strong left hand prevented RBNY from scoring a goal. The halftime score was 0-0.

First Half Match highlights:

  • 10′ – Royer had a chance with an open header off a corner kick. He missed wide.
  • 12′ – Lade fouled just outside of RBNY’s 18-yard box on the left-hand side. Revolution free kick opportunity was hit high over the crossbar.
  • 23′ – Free kick opportunity for New England was missed. Foul was committed by Aaron Long and a Yellow card resulted.
  • 33′ – Sacha Kljestan had an opportunity from outside the box from the center of the goal. Opportunity did not result in a goal.
  • 41′ – Wright-Phillips had an opportunity on goal. A near shot post which had potential failed to make it past the Revolution keeper.

First Half Stats

  • NE 0 – RBNY 0
  • Shots: NE 3 – RBNY 5
  • Shots on Goal: NE 1 – RBNY 3
  • Possession: NE 42.8% – RBNY 57.2%

Second Half

The New York Red Bulls went into the second half motivated. Their offense stepped up and their defense remained impenetrable.

A straight red card was issued to New England’s Benjamin Angoua. This changed the dynamic of the game as RBNY’s offense closed the game with a late goal by BWP just outside the six-yard box in the 87th minute. BWP received a ground ball pass from Felipe to seal the win for RBNY.

RBNY also dominated the second half shooting twice as much and also on target than the Revolution. Possession was dominated by RBNY as they kept New England at bay.

This is RBNY’s second win in a row against New England. Both away, one MLS and one US Open Cup.

The Red Bulls move onto the semifinals to face the winner of Miami FC and FC Cincinnati.

Final Stats

  • NE 0 – RBNY 0
  • Shots: NE 7 – RBNY 14
  • Shots on Target: NE 3 – RBNY 6
  • Possession: NE 43.8% – RBNY 56.2%

Chris Sudol is a former college soccer player who now avidly supports the New York Red Bulls, Arsenal, and Barcelona, among many other soccer teams.