The New York Red Bulls claimed a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire to make it four home wins from five matches at the Red Bull Arena. 

The New York Red Bulls continued their strong home form with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire at the Red Bull Arena this past Saturday. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the hosts in front with a short-range finish before Kamer Lawrence restored New York’s lead with a neat finish after Nemanja Nikolic equalized for his side.

The victory sees the Red Bulls jump to second in the Eastern Conference standings with 16 points, although local rivals New York City FC could overtake them on goal difference with a victory in their game in hand.  The Harrison side are two points behind leaders Orlando City, but have played two matches more.

The clash marked the return of former Red Bulls Captain Dax McCarty to New York since he transferred to Chicago.

Reflecting on Dax McCarty’s status as an opponent, Red Bulls Goalkeeper Luis Robles found it odd to line up against his old teammate.

“[McCarty] looked strange in that jersey,” said Robles. He then added, “it’s something that I’m still not used to…Dax was an incredible teammate. He’s a huge part of the history of this club”

Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips took a similar stance on his side’s reunion with McCarty.

“It was weird,” Wright-Phillips said. “It was good to see him, but weird to see him in that kit.”

The Englishman then praised his side’s run of home victories.

“Our form at home’s been really good,” said Wright-Phillips. “It’s nine points out of three [games], and it’s not easy to do.”

“This place has to be a fortress,” he said.

New York will take on Kansas City in their next match and will head to the Philadelphia Union three days later.

Sacha Kljestan backed his side to impress in these fixtures.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but we have a lot of confidence now.”