Felipe Martins on the ball
NY Red Bulls 0 : 2 Philadelphia Union
by Stephanie Lovelle
The New York Red Bulls collected their first home loss against the Philadelphia Union after falling 2-0 to the traveling side. This was also RBNY’s first home loss this season.
The Union struck first in the 57th minute after a Cristian Maidana attempt would find Vincent Nogueira whose back-heel would beat Luis Robles. The RBNY keeper would again find himself helpless after 2nd half substitute CJ Sapong slotted the final goal home in the 62nd minute.
The match was set up to be the perfect opportunity for the Red Bulls to close in on the Eastern Conference’s first and second place teams DC United (6-4-2; 22 points) and the New England Revolution (5-5-3; 20 points). (The two sides played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.)
There was an emphasis on RBNY’s head-to-head record against the Philadelphia Union. Red Bull Arena has been a fort for the home side. With the tie at 6-0-1 in favor of RBNY, the Union failed to come away with a win in seven attempts on the road.
The first half showed promise of a win against a Union side who were on two wins and seven losses in 12 matches before tonight. The RBNY midfield created an ideal situation in the first half with its keen pressing ability, forcing the Union to concede possession. In all their efforts, RBNY would hit the post twice, including a late 44th minute shot from Mike Grella who dazzled the crowd and the Union defense with nifty footwork. But even with RBNY dictating and controlling the rhythm of the first half, the Union defense managed to do just enough to keep them quiet.
Fabio Alves and his defenders kept Lloyd Sam and his NY colleagues at bay
RBNY had the visitors in their control in what seemed to be a popular expectation among fans. The Union are not viewed to be a particularly threatening side and with key players unavailable like Maurice Edu and top goal scorer, Fernando Aristeguieta, there was buzz of a fairly easy win in store for the Red Bulls. Chances, like in previous matches, were not limited for the home side but failures to finish would keep them from burying the visitors.
The second half was all a Union side who recognized a lackadaisical defense and their opponents missed chances highlighted an opportune time to sneak in and tilt the match in their favor.
The introduction of C.J. Sapong, coming in for Conor Casey in the 54th minute, added a distinct bit of pace for the Union. The strong RBNY midfield that dictated the first half began to crumble, adopting first half Union turnover habits. RBNY’s defense could not hold up as well either. With failure in the fullbacks acknowledging a sense where they are in space, often overlapping with each other, the Union were able to utilize what was given to them.
CJ Sapong’s arrival sparked the Union offense
The second goal was a product of an observation of that vulnerability. The movement towards goal came off a counterattack headlined by Union defender Fabinho. Sapong was able to rush past Connor Lade who seemed to give up on shutting him down while Roy Miller watched Fabinho’s cross trail into the area, with neither RBNY defender engaging in any sort of communication.
Today’s loss needs to be a wakeup call for Jesse Marsch and RBNY, serving as a lesson. With a lack aggressiveness that comes with Damien Perrinelle (injury), Matt Miazga (with US U-20 team duty) and Kemar Lawrence (subbed out 30’ due to injury), there’s plenty for the coach to pick at in the second half display from the defense but not even a solid backline could excuse the holes of an unproductive attack. Having scored no more than two goals in their matches this season, the Red Bulls have now been shutout in their last two matches and have only secured one win in their last six.
There’s a need for greater attention to detail, much of which can be spotted in the fact that the ability to finish has been far from good. Marsch needs some new life to his attack but while players like Kevin-Prince Boateng and Mario Gomez—who are linked to an MLS move—could alleviate some of the pressure to score, it’s down to the current players to a way get back on the scoring sheet and produce those much needed wins.
Fixed in third place, still trailing DC United and the New England Revolution, the Red Bulls will pay a visit to CenturyLink Field on Sunday, May 31 to face the Seattle Sounders.
