Wednesday, Jun. 14, the New York Red Bulls hosted New York City Football Club in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and emerged victoriously.
The New York Red Bulls declared the US Open Cup Red as they defeated NYCFC in the fourth round 1-0. Despite recent attacking dilemmas in MLS play, RBNY came out swinging. Both in possession and shots, the New York Red Bulls dominated.
Early opportunities for RBNY were present while NYCFC seemed to struggle. In part, this was due to Aaron Long’s great defensive effort. He neutralized the threat of dominant MLS goal scorer David Villa.
Jesse Marsch did not lead the team this evening due to a one-game suspension because of an incident from last year’s US Open Cup match. Assistant Coach Chris Armas, however, orchestrated a phenomenal (by current RBNY standards) showing for the New York Red Bulls in his absence.
When asked about how he looked at stepping into Marsch’s shoes, Armas stated, “It was business as usual,” and, “It wasn’t about me, it was about the guys tonight.”
The victory over NYCFC was due to RBNY’s strong defense and their ability to score on Wednesday night. Meara and his back four were able to keep a solid attacking NYCFC team from scoring.
RBNY’s offense also powered their victory. RBNY posted five shots in the first half and 11 in the second half. This is compared to NYCFC’s numbers of six and two, first and second half respectively.
Showing that they are dominant at home RBNY posted a possession rate of 53.6% in the first half and 61.1% in the second half. This totaled to 57.0% in total possession in the match.
NYCFC did have some chances, however. In the 15th minute, Thomas McNamara cracked a shot which hit the frame twice. It originally appeared to go in, but in the end, it stayed out of the goal.
Ryan Meara made Luis Robles proud as he kept a clean sheet. This result was threatened in the 40th minute when David Villa took a shot from inside the box which hit the frame, hit the back of Meara, who then scooped up the ball.
The game-winning goal came in the 67th minute when Bradley Wright-Phillips took a shot from inside the 18-yard box on the left side. His shot was met by Sean Johnson who deflected the ball up in the air. Daniel Royer was on the opposite corner of the six-yeard where he met and volleyed the rebound into the back of the net.
Solid defense by Tyler Adams who made a 50-yard recovery run late in the second half sealed the result. RBNY are certainly glad to have him back from the U-20 World Cup. Collin and Perrinelle also both contributed to the shutout with a decent performance.
Alex Muyl contributed offensively with two shots, one chance created, and an 81.1% pass rate.
Felipe created three chances and won four fouls in the win. He contributed no shots.
Armas hopes that this will be a defining moment to turn RBNY’s season around. He also stated that the team has not wavered much this season. Armas certainly made Marsch proud as RBNY will move into the round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
The drawing for the round of 16 will be Jun. 15 at 11 a.m. ET. Between their next meeting on the 24th, NYCFC and RBNY will be facing different opponents. NYCFC will play a difficult match on Jun. 17 at home against Seattle. RBNY will be facing Philadelphia away on the 18th.
With the first Hudson River Derby of 2017 finished, the game on the 24th will certainly be a thriller of a rematch.
For now, New York remains Red and RBNY fans have something to celebrate at this is a solid win against a top three Eastern Conference team.
Quick Game Facts:
- RBNY 1 – NYCFC 0
- Goals- Daniel Royer 67′
- Total Shots: RBNY 16 – NYCFC 8
- Possession Rate: RBNY 57.0% – NYCFC 43.0%
- Announced Attendance: 11,311