New York Red Bulls 2-2 DC United: Recap & Reaction

Wilman Conde struck a brilliant late equalizer to salvage a draw for the New York Red Bulls at RFK Stadium after D.C. United came back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 into the closing stages. Joel Lindpere had put New York ahead in the nineteenth minute, but Nick DeLeon equalized two minutes later, and De Rosario made the Red Bulls pay for another defensive collapse with just over twenty minutes remaining. New York provided far more threat in front of goal than they did in Kansas City, but struggled to finish their chances and still looked ropey at the back.

The Red Bulls probably deserved the point that they got, but could have taken all three if they had been more clinical, particularly early on. Tim Cahill had a couple of dangerous opportunities from Thierry Henry set pieces in the first half, and Dax McCarty spurned a good opportunity to re-take the lead after DeLeon's equalizer.

The main talking point from the match will certainly be another set of defensive errors by New York. Bill Gaudette was at least partially responsible for both goals, although poor play from Markus Holgersson certainly did not help his goalkeeper. The other three links in the defensive chain, Heath Pearce, Conde, and Connor Lade, looked fairly solid, although Teemu Tainio seemed to be struggling at times to keep pace in front of the backline.

The Red Bulls now have two and a half weeks off to sort out these defensive problems before the Columbus Crew visit Red Bull Arena. Although a few players will be off to play with their national teams, most of the defensive unit will be around to work on not making horrendous errors.

Selected Stats (NY - DC)

Possession: 57% - 43%

Passing Accuracy: 79% - 76%

Total Passes: 510 - 374

Corners: 1 - 5

Open Play Crosses: 16 - 6

Fouls: 9 - 12

Shots (On Goal): 10(5) - 12(5)