First Draw in First Series Win for NYCFC

This one was suppose to be the full revenge as the Red Bulls who haven’t earned a win after the US Open Cup fourth rounder at home were trying to get on the front foot and did so the entire match, but after the full ninety minutes were played this spectacle ended in a one goal draw.

That one moment that could lead into a whimper for the home side did come in the 56th minute as NYCFC opened the scoring for the third straight match in the 56th minute when Maxi Morales beat Luis Robles for the lead.

A well worked goal that started on the far side of the field that got to David Villa who was in the middle of the park and in front of the area. A little flick that led Morales to take his shot one time and beat Robles under his left leg.

But the Red Bulls were never discouraged as they found a way to get the equalizer and earn changed the game around. Sacha Kljestan went inside the NYC area and from behind was bumped down by R.J. Allen and Jair Marrufo pointed to the spot.

The penalty was converted by Gonzalo Veron for his second of the season and third in all competitions as he went to the far post, Sean Johnson guessed correctly but couldn’t get a hand on the ball.

This was a complete domination by the Red Bulls as they pressed and pressed NYCFC all over the field, but if Sean Johnson didn’t save these chances the post or crossbar bailed out the team in blue.

Especially from a big shot by Sean Davis that was ripped from distance and Johnson who was in a great position to make the save, never knew the shot was coming at him. He stood there looking lost, but was shocked it went off his chest.

Also let’s give credit to Luis Robles who made a big save five minutes earlier as he robbed Maxi Moralez of a big tally. When the ball was crossed to Morales he tried to place a header to the back post.

As that ball was dipping Robles found a way to dive to his right and got his right hand on that ball to push it over the end line for a corner. This was a big moment in a match where both sides wanted to find a winner, but for the first time in this short lived NY Derby it ended in a draw.

“I was thinking it’s a funny game sometimes, how many sports does a team dominate like that and then be down one zero, but I still wanted to make sure that our team is aggressive and had confidence in the game and did so but the draw is disappointing.” said Jesse Marsch.

“The way we played and the way we dominated the match, but we will continue to take this as a positive and know that we are a good team and move on in the right direction.”

The one moment where you thought a penalty was going to be called for the Red Bulls was the play where Bradley Wright-Phillips was inside the NYCFC area and was bumped down at the same time he tried to head the ball that went wide.

If you listened to the match on ESPN Analyst Taylor Twellman without a shadow of a doubt said it’s a penalty kick and sadly both Marrufo and VAR decided not to call it, a bit disappointing, but if that was going to be given then maybe the opening goal wouldn’t have come to NYCFC.

But now it’s time to get ready for two big games this week for club and country as the Red Bulls will travel to Toyota Field to face FC Dallas next Saturday, but next Friday the US Men’s National Team will host Costa Rica in their next FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Red Bull Arena.