No matter what anyone says it always feels good to score against an old team. On Sunday Dax McCarty had the opportunity to exact some level of revenge against his former club, D.C. United. The midfielder did not disappoint knocking in the game-winner to give the New York Red Bulls the 1-0 win at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
As it seems to be standard with two-legged playoffs in Major League Soccer New York and D.C. spent the early part of the match assessing their opponents weaknesses. Although there were very shot opportunities on goals both sides put together several interesting runs. A Chris Rolfe cross in the third minute for D.C. was promising but ultimately punched away by Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles.
Meanwhile New York Red Bulls midfielder Felipe looked to get forward Bradley Wright-Phillips started early with a clear through ball deep into United territory. However, United center-back Kofi Opare had enough room to separate Wright-Phillips from the ball and ultimately end the opportunity in the 4th minute. Without center-back Bobby Boswell, United’s makeshift combination of Opare and Steve Birnbaum held Wright-Phillips to a minimum number of goal scoring opportunities.
Wright-Phillips was not the only player whose offensive chances were few and far between during the first forty-five. Facing a New York side with four to five attacking options United coach Ben Olsen opted to goal with a conservative approach with forwards Fabian Espindola and Alvaro Saborio providing the only spark. Espindola’s runs deep into Red Bull territory provided some caution. However, with Saborio having to fend off three to defenders Espindola’s service was neutralized. United’s best opportunity for a goal came in the 31st minute when Espindola’s cross from the left flank found an open Saborio. Saborio’s header though would go high and over the bar.
New York would have their own chance on goal in the 32nd minute when Wright-Phillips’ chip would hit midfielder Mike Grella. After laying down a controlling chest trap Grella hit a left-footed shot that would startle the 19.523 supporters at RFK Stadium. But United’s fears would be allayed for the moment as goalkeeper Bill Hamid would make that save using his face to deflect the shot.
Shortly before half-time, Grella would have another chance to play the villain in D.C. with a chance to finish off a pass by from the left flank by midfielder Felipe. But before he could get a shot off Hamid would once again dash his hopes with a diving save to end the opportunity.
As the second half wore on additional pressure was placed on the United back four. Felipe’s blast in the 58th minute from distance got the 600 plus Red Bulls supporters on their feet. But once again Hamid foiled the Red Bulls scoring aspirations with a leaping save to rob the Argentine international.
Although tensions were during the entire match they would reach a boil in the 66th minute when Red Bulls center-back Ronald Zubar made a dangerous late challenge into D.C. United midfielder Markus Halsti. Despite the protestations from United players and coach Ben Olsen head referee Fotis Bazakos awarded Zubar just a yellow card.
Having avoided a near catastrophe (Zubar came in for Damien Perrinelle in the 49th minute after Perrinelle suffered a serious knee injury. No word yet as to the full extent of the injury) New York used their second life to their advantage. After securing a free kick deep in United territory in the 72nd minute, Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan laced in a high curving cross. His ball found a diving McCarty near United’s far post with little opposition. McCarty made a diving attempt to head the ball and was awarded with the game-winning goal.
Despite being down a goal at home United were unable to create any real opportunities on the attacking half. Their best attempt at an equalizer came just a minute after McCarty’s goal when Espindola would space in the Red Bulls backfield. His shot though near goal would go wide of the far post. D.C. did not have one shot on goal during the entire match a disappointing effort considering their previous success at home. Perhaps what is more is that only 53.8% of their passes were completed the third lowest MLS Playoff history.
New York will host D.C. next Sunday at Red Bull Arena at a time yet to be determined.
MATCH RECAP
D.C. United-Bill Hamid, Taylor Kemp, Steve Birnbaum, Kofi Opare, Sean Franklin (Miguel Aguilar 84′,) Chris Rolfe (Conor Doyle 65′,) Perry Kitchen, Markus Halsti, Nick De Leon, Fabian Espindola, and Alvaro Saborio.
Yellow Cards-Espindola (75′) and Saborio (77′)
New York Red Bulls-Luis Robles, Sal Zizzo, Damien Perrinelle (Ronald Zubar 49′,) Matt Miazga, Kemar Lawrence, Dax McCarty, Felipe, Loyd Sam, Sacha Kljestan, Mike Grella (Gonzalo Veron 80′,) and Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Yellow Cards-Miazga (35′,) Wright-Phillips (88′,) Zubar (69′)
ATTENDANCE: 19.525
