The current MLS champions Real Salt Lake defeated the visiting New York Red Bulls 1–0 Saturday night with an early goal from Argentinian striker Fabian Espindola.
New York was missing Dane Richards, Bouna Coundoul, and Rafa Marquez due to international call-ups.
Much of the action took place in the first half.
Real Salt Lake took the lead after only four minutes of play. RSL had a throw in at midfield that was moved up field by a one-touch pass from midfielder Kyle Beckerman. The pass connected with Espindola, who put a quick shot past goalkeeper Greg Sutton, the replacement for Coundoul.
“I think in the first half RSL were moving the ball very well, and as a team they were moving so well,” Red Bulls defensive midfielder Danleigh Borman told newyorkredbulls.com.
Real Salt Lake moved to within one point of the L.A. Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference with the win.
The Red Bulls had some quality chances that were denied by RSL keeper Nick Rimando. Team captain and leading goal scorer Juan Pablo Angel was unable to capitalize on two acrobatic headers in the 12th and 55th minutes.
This was the 22nd consecutive game at home where Real Salt Lake has played without a loss (15 wins and 7 draws). They have now tied the MLS record for consecutive games played at home without a loss.
In other Red Bulls news, newly acquired designated player Rafa Marquez was away on international duty with Mexico who lost against Ecuador 2–1.
When Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was asked about the situation of having four players out for the match he said, “It’s a FIFA day, I have no problem [with them leaving].” He continued, “I’m just concerned we’re still playing on a FIFA day.”
Next Saturday afternoon, the Red Bulls will face off against the Colorado Rapids at Red Bull Arena. Colorado is coming off a 3–0 victory against Chivas USA.
The Red Bulls fell seven points back of first place Columbus in the Eastern Conference.
New York was missing Dane Richards, Bouna Coundoul, and Rafa Marquez due to international call-ups.
Much of the action took place in the first half.
Real Salt Lake took the lead after only four minutes of play. RSL had a throw in at midfield that was moved up field by a one-touch pass from midfielder Kyle Beckerman. The pass connected with Espindola, who put a quick shot past goalkeeper Greg Sutton, the replacement for Coundoul.
“I think in the first half RSL were moving the ball very well, and as a team they were moving so well,” Red Bulls defensive midfielder Danleigh Borman told newyorkredbulls.com.
Real Salt Lake moved to within one point of the L.A. Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference with the win.
The Red Bulls had some quality chances that were denied by RSL keeper Nick Rimando. Team captain and leading goal scorer Juan Pablo Angel was unable to capitalize on two acrobatic headers in the 12th and 55th minutes.
This was the 22nd consecutive game at home where Real Salt Lake has played without a loss (15 wins and 7 draws). They have now tied the MLS record for consecutive games played at home without a loss.
In other Red Bulls news, newly acquired designated player Rafa Marquez was away on international duty with Mexico who lost against Ecuador 2–1.
When Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was asked about the situation of having four players out for the match he said, “It’s a FIFA day, I have no problem [with them leaving].” He continued, “I’m just concerned we’re still playing on a FIFA day.”
Next Saturday afternoon, the Red Bulls will face off against the Colorado Rapids at Red Bull Arena. Colorado is coming off a 3–0 victory against Chivas USA.
The Red Bulls fell seven points back of first place Columbus in the Eastern Conference.
