New York Red Bulls vs. DC United: Recap & Reaction

by Ben Schneider on Jun 24, 2025 9:34 PM EDT in Major League Soccer

Two first-half goals from Brandon Barklage and a second-half strike from Jan Gunnar Solli moved the New York Red Bulls level with DC United on points atop the Eastern Conference after a 3-2 win over The Great Satan.

The Red Bulls were clearly the better side for the first hour of the match, and probably could have been ahead by more than just a single goal at halftime considering the number of chances they created. The midfield kept the ball well and won it back quickly, denying DC time to build attacks or time with possession. New York's wide play was also very impressive, and although Kenny Cooper wasn't his clinical self in front of goal, his interplay with Mehdi Ballouchy and the rest of the midfield was excellent. Ballouchy and Dax McCarty deserve particular praise for commanding the center of the park and building New York's attacks.

The Red Bulls defense was quite good in spite of conceding twice; the first goal was a bit of a fluke as New York were caught cold in the opening minute, and the second was very narrowly offside. Brandon Barklage was the surprise man of the match, but Heath Pearce and the returning Rafael Márquez were also both very impressive in the defense.

DC still hold a two-goal edge on goal difference, but we have a game in hand on the Devil. The next game for New York is a visit to cellar-dwelling Toronto FC next Saturday night.

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Read More: Kenny Cooper (F - New York Red Bulls), Brandon Barklage (MIDFIELDER - New York Red Bulls), Mehdi Ballouchy (MIDFIELDER - New York Red Bulls), Jan Gunnar Solli (MIDFIELDER - New York Red Bulls), Dax McCarty (MIDFIELDER - New York Red Bulls), Heath Pearce (DEFENDER - Chivas USA), New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC

Comments

Great Great Great win

extremely satisfying.

And the best part is that this team is in first place and Henry has barely played since sometime in May. If he can give even sporadic glimpses of his early season form, look out!

I turned this game on with 5 minutes gone, and even though RB were down a goal, what I saw was 40 minutes plus of absolute pantsing of the scum by our boys. You could tell it was our night when Ballouchy to Miller was a good combo (I saw Miller do a few back heels that actually connected,) when Rafa looked like he could be bothered to give a shit, and of course when Brandon Barklage scores a brace!

I know the second goal was a sick volley, but I prefer his equalizer. Not just because it was the result of simply wanting it more than DC, but because it was a flying ninja kick out of Double Dragon right in D-ro’s face!

On another website where they had a poll, I recently gave the D-ro/Dax trade a B, but after this run Dax is on I’d be willing to bump that up.

Awesome win, can’t wait for Henry to get back out there - last time we saw him he was playing above the team, now they are finally playing at his level.

audivi in sellariis

by ianua ditis on Jun 25, 2025 1:06 AM EDT reply actions