The New York Red Bulls were dominant in their victory over the Columbus Crew as they have yet to concede a goal at Red Bull Arena.
The New York Red Bulls produced their most convincing performance of the season to claim a 2-0 victory over the Columbus Crew. Alex Muyl tapped home from close range to score in his second successive game before Daniel Royer added New York’s second from the penalty spot.The Red Bulls currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, but their start to the season has not been impressive. They struggled in their opening day victory over Atalanta and were fortunate to walk away with all three points in the bag.
They were better in a narrow 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids the next weekend, but then earned just a point in a four-match winless run.
Despite their impressive display against D.C. United the following weekend when they won 2-0, the need to improve was clear. Only when such performances occurred on a consistent basis would confidence find its way into the dressing room and fan base. While great, such dominance had not been a common concept in the early weeks of the Red Bulls season.
However, their second successive assertion of superiority attests to their quality. They dominated Columbus Crew from start, literally, to finish this past Saturday and offered several signals that they will once again compete at the top of the Eastern Conference table.
Even Alex Muyl’s 11-minute goal had already been coming. Jesse Marsch’s men threatened on several occasions, particularly down the left-hand side, and though the match hard barely begun, deserved their lead.
It would only be a matter of time before the Red Bulls doubled their lead. Their opportunity came when the referee deemed a challenge on Bradley Wright-Phillips as a penalty. Royer made no mistake.
Opportunities would continue to flow as the Harrison-based club could have easily added a few more throughout the second half.
Tyler Adams’s terrific individual performance is worthy of praise as well. The academy product is only 18 years of age, but has offered quite a bit to his side this season. On Saturday, he composed himself well, produced some fine passes and nearly scored his first competitive goal for the club.
Another week, another three points for #RBNY.
Behind the Scenes of #NYvCLB: https://t.co/cUGNC777fH pic.twitter.com/yC4iu6I9Es
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 25, 2017
⏩FFWD⏩: Jesse Marsch's postgame press conference after #RBNY's 2-0 win! pic.twitter.com/kZuwpcVSpu
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 24, 2017
GOAL! Daniel Royer converts the penalty! #NYvCLB | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/2zIpi3Txbi
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 23, 2017
GOAL! Alex Muyl's second of the season! #NYvCLB | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/SLkooTYnyf
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 23, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS: 2️⃣- 0️⃣ #NYvCLB #RBNY pic.twitter.com/iGD2m2dXYh
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 23, 2017
On the defensive end of the pitch, the hosts were more than comfortable. Only once was keeper Luis Robles called into action when his decent first half save prevented Columbus’s equalizer. He was an observer for the remainder of the match.
New York’s home record has been great in the opening weeks of the MLS campaign. They have yet to concede a goal in the Red Bull Arena. They have kept four consecutive clean sheets and have earned ten points from twelve. Not a bad record at all.
The Red Bulls ended top of the Eastern Conference at the end of last season. Their contention to finish high up once again is a plausible notion given their two recent results and home record.
Away from home, manager Jesse Marsch must adjust his approach. He has guided his side to only one victory on the road so far and even in that win, his side was poor. If this season is to produce similar success to last season, improvement away from home is a necessity.
The last two games have displayed the quality of this Red Bulls team. It is now time for this quality to express itself in further fixtures and results.
