? minutes to do work.
2-1 #NEvRBNY | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/o34tVk4SkI
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 3, 2018
The New York Red Bulls have fallen again, this time to the New England Revolution up north.
New York Red Bulls at New England Revolution
June 2, 2018
Gillette Stadium
7:30 p.m. ET
New York Red Bulls Fall 2-1 at New England
The New York Red Bulls traveled to Massachusetts on Saturday to face the New England Revolution. RBNY went into the game without three of their starters, Tyler Adams and Tim Parker, were both away with the United States Men’s National Team. Also, Luis Robles was out with the continued knee injury with Ryan Meara starting in his third consecutive match.
So far so good in Dublin! ??
Back for 45 more minutes shortly on ESPN2, UniMás and UDN. pic.twitter.com/xpLrlNDOyz
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) June 2, 2018
Before the match, the New York Red Bulls stood in fourth in the East, but tied for first in points per game. They also stood in sixth for the Supporters’ Shield, and again, first for points per game. The Revolution sat just above the cut off line in sixth in the East.
Early Pressure
Early on the game saw action as both teams were aggressive from the first whistle.
In the 7th minute, Vincent Bezecourt had a free kick opportunity from the penalty he drew just outside of the eighteen-yard box. His free kick hit the crossbar.
BWP Magic
In the 8th minute, BWP scored a powerful header near the penalty spot from meeting a service from Sean Davis from the right-hand side. The ball had enough pace to make it comfortably passed the New England Keeper and New Jersey native Matt Turner in the left corner.
Who else?
BWP just does what he wants. 1-0. #NEvRBNY https://t.co/ouxOBRXnn7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 2, 2018
High attacking and defensive pressure strategies employed by both teams created for exciting opening minutes.
In the 22nd minute, Lawrence conceded a foul outside the eighteen-yard box on the right side. The succeeding shot was driven in near post where Ryan Meara mad a strong-handed save.
New England Strike Back
Near the end of the first half, the Revolution seemed to have a hold on RBNY. This perception was confirmed in the 45th minute when Diego Fagundez hit a half-volley from near the top of the eighteen-yard box. This seemed to be a result of a collapsed RBNY defense.
HT: Fagundez equalizes for the Revs right before the break. https://t.co/1BDkqZBY1J #NEvRBNY https://t.co/CKsoTb4gXP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 3, 2018
This was the bitter end of the first half for RBNY as the game was tied at one apiece.
First Half Stats
Goals: RBNY 1 – NE 1
Shots: RBNY 5 – NE 9
Shots on Goal: RBNY 2 – NE 5
Possession: RBNY 41.5% – NE 58.5%
In the 49th minute, Etienne Jr. had an opportunity from far. He received a miss-pass from a New England defender and took a shot from atop of the half-circle. The shot, however, was to Turner and seemed easy to handle.
The second half saw sloppy play by both teams.
In the 76th minute, BWP showed some skill with a juggle volley that nearly turned into a goal. Unfortunately, for RBNY, the shot missed its mark.
Game Winner
Moments later in the 78th minute in what seemed to be a non-threatening play turned lethal. The RBNY defense was caught sleeping when a hard ground pass was delivered by Cristian Penilla to Teal Bunbury across the six-yard box. Bunbury, loosely marked, then slotted the pass into the net.
Teal. Bunbury.
Man on fire. 2-1. #NEvRBNY https://t.co/YXt6mnZoXt
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 3, 2018
For the rest of the match, RBNY tried to pull one back, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. This marks the first loss to New England in MLS play since April 1, 2016.
With this loss, Atlanta pulled further ahead in the East. RBNY, while by no means in a panic situation, need to win games consistently against teams outside the top four.
After Game Quotes
(New England Communications Staff)
Meara: “It seemed like in the attacking third, we just couldn’t really put enough plays together to really be dangerous and to put their back four on their toes enough.”
BWP: “I think we could’ve done better on getting second balls to set up attacks, and I think on that we didn’t do too well either.”
Marsch: “Not a good start to the four-game-stretch, but we’ll find a way to learn from it and get better and be ready for Wednesday – a big Open Cup match against New York City.”
Final Stats
Goals: RBNY 1 – NE 2
Shots: RBNY 9 – NE 10
Shots on Goal: RBNY 4 – NE 6
Possession: RBNY 45.3% – NE 54.7%
