Bradley Wright Phillips led the Red Bulls in shots on Saturday but it was an Eric Miller own goal that helped New York upend the Rapids (photo credit: New York Red Bulls)
On Saturday, the Colorado Rapids were greeted by an old friend as they made their way cross country to take on the New York Red Bulls for the latter’s home opener.
That friend of theirs? The frigid, arctic temperatures. Colorado traveled to New York coming off of a win against the New England Revolution, seeking to capitalize on the previous week’s success.
The Red Bulls welcomed and honored old compadre, goalkeeper Tim Howard who played with the MetroStars from 1998 to 2003. Simultaneously, Luis Robles was recognized for breaking the MLS record for consecutive games played with a whopping 142.
An early, light snow fall brought back memories of last year’s blizzard in Colorado, although results would prove to be different.
The New York Red Bulls came out of the gate strong, applying unwavering pressure to the Rapids early in the first-half while enjoying much possession. Colorado’s early advances failed to present any real danger to the New York ironman between the sticks, Luis Robles. An early set-piece from captain Sacha Kljestan found the head of Red Bull center back Aaron Long which troubled Rapids keeper Tim Howard, forcing a save.
More opportunities would come via Red Bull forward Bradley Wright-Phillips and winger Daniel Royer, although it would be an unfortunate own goal late in the first-half which would put New York up. Full back Sal Zizzo delivered a dangerous cross into the Rapids box which defender Eric Miller attempted to clear, ultimately finding the back of his own net.
Colorado, not down and out yet, came out of half-time taking much of the pressure to the Red Bulls and nearly found their equalizer through midfielder Dominique Badji which was ultimately cleared by Long. Yet, defensive woes would continue for the Rapids in the second-half as crosses into the box forced another near own goal. For all their merits, New York could not find a way past Colorado’s Howard who came up big on multiple occasions.
Newly acquired forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen would make his debut late in the game, coming on for Bradley Wright-Phillips in the 88th minute of play. Gulbrandsen fit into the Red Bulls’ high intensity game almost immediately as he is on loan from sister club Red Bull Salzburg.
Although fortune swung in New York’s favor in the form of an own goal, both Luis and Howard had profound impacts on the game as they were arguably the two best players in the match; answering questions when asked to keep it a one goal game.
New York will travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders on Sunday, March 19th to seek their third straight win.
Scoring Summary:
45′ RBNY: Miller, own goal
Disciplinary Summary:
35′ RBNY: Davis, yellow
55′ RBNY: Etienne, yellow
79′ RBNY: Royer, yellow
90′ Rapids: Azira, yellow
Starting Lineups:
RBNY: Robles, Lawrence, Long, Perrinelle (75′ Collin), Zizzo, Davis, Felipe, Kljestan, Royer, Wright-Phillips (88′ Gulbrandsen), Etienne (61′ Grella)
Rapids: Howard, Burch, Sjoberg, Watts, Miller, Azira, Cronin, Badji, Powers (72′ Gashi), Hairston, Calvert (59′ Serna)
New York Red Bulls
Colorado Rapids
