On Saturday afternoon, the New York Red Bulls fell in defeat to bitter rivals NYCFC, evening up the 2017 season series. 

The New York Red Bulls fell 2-0 to their Hudson River rivals, NYCFC in a heated match in Harrison, NJ Saturday, June 24th. RBNY failed to find the net while maintaining nearly 60% possession. In the end, RBNY’s attack failed to show up as they struggled to get shots on goal.

Frist Half

The New York Red Bulls failed to find the net in the first 45 minutes. With a strategy of a high press, NYCFC came ready to defend. It seemed that RBNY were sitting back in their final third which reflected in scoring opportunities and shots on goal. Harrison, McNamara, and Villa all gave the RBNY defense a handful to defend in the first 45.

Robles came up with huge saves in the 18th and 42nd minute to keep RBNY in the game. RBNY’s attack, on the other hand, saw only a few opportunities. One came from Tyler Adams in the 7th minute which went over the crossbar from outside the 18.

RBNY’s best opportunity came in the 26th minute off of a Sacha Kljestan corner kick. Daniel Royer was there to head the ball just over the crossbar.

For the rest of the first half, RBNY remained unimpressive in their quest to defeat third-place rivals NYCFC.

First Half Stats:

  • Score – RBNY 0 NYCFC 1
  • Possession – RBNY 56.8% NYCFC 43.2%
  • Shots – RBNY 5 NYCFC 8
  • Shots on Goal – RBNY 0 NYCFC 4

Second Half

The New York Red Bulls found more defensive trouble as Robles in the 54th minute had to make a low save. This kept NYCFC to a one-goal lead until a lax defensive RBNY effort conceded 11 minutes later.

In the 65th minute, Ben Sweat scored a far post header from the left side of RBNY’s goal. The assist was by Alexander Ring. Robles stunned, could do nothing but watch it float into the back of the net.

Later in the 77th minute, RBNY’s Alex Muyl was shown a yellow card for simulation in NYCFC’s box. From where I was sitting it sure looked like a penalty, but referee Kelly saw otherwise. It was a great opportunity, but RBNY again failed to execute and convert.

In the end, RBNY failed to bring their best against they Hudson River rivals, NYCFC. NYCFC’s attack was too much for RBNY as they fell 2-0 at home.

This was only RBNY’s second home loss of the season. A match needed a win, however, failed to find the Harrison side. Their back to back win drought extends to the end of April. If RBNY want to stay above the red line going into the last half of the season they will need to start winning.

Unfortunately, this drops RBNY to seven points behind NYCFC and 12 behind leaders Toronto FC.

Final Game Stats:

    • Score- RBNY 0 NYCFC 2
    • Possession- RBNY 59.4% NYCFC 40.6%
    • Shots- RBNY 10 NYCFC 13
    • Shots on Goal- RBNY 1 NYCFC 6

The New York Red Bulls next game will be in the US Open Cup: vs. Philadelphia Jun. 28.