The Red Bulls did not lead until the 90th minute, but a strong second half and some incredible saves by a redemption-minded Bouna Coundoul led the Red Bulls to their third win of the season, a dramatic 2-1 win over FC Dallas. Juan Pablo Angel scored twice in the second half to lead New York, after Dax McCarty opened the scoring just ten minutes in. The Red Bulls remain perfect at home, and with New England's loss against San Jose, the Red Bulls sit atop the Eastern Conference table on 9 points.
Last week, a disastrous gaffe by keeper Bouna Coundoul handed the Red Bulls their first loss of the season. But tonight, Coundoul had other plans. Numerous times the keeper came up huge, keeping the score tied with incredible saves in the 56th and 76th minutes. Immeditaely following Coundoul's brilliant save in the 56th minute, Joel Lindpere set up Juan Pablo Angel in the box for a cool finish, the captain's first goal of the season. Angel should have made it 2-1 in the 65th minute when Macoumba Kandji was brought down in the penalty area. But Angel's penalty kick was stopped by Dario Sala. However, Angel would get another chance, as at the death, Sinisa Ubiparipovic was fouled right at the 18 yard line. It was determined that Ubiparipovic was in the area at the time of the foul, and Angel had another crack at Sala. This time, the Colombian was not to be denied, as he crushed the ball into the top right corner, giving the Red Bulls the 2-1 victory.
New York was nowhere near perfect tonight. FC Dallas controlled a lot of the first half, and they could have easily scored twice or three times in the half. But in the second half, the Red Bulls were able to create chances, and capitalized on just enough. But again, it was the Once A Metro Man of the Match Bouna Coundoul who more than made up for last week's error. Coundoul's fantastic efforts kept Dallas off the scoresheet in the second half, and the Red Bulls are back atop the Eastern Conference because of it.
We'll have plenty more coverage of tonight's win later in the week.