The New York Red Bulls battled to a 2–0 win against the New England Revolution in their final match of the season on Thursday night at Red Bull Arena. New York clinched the Eastern Conference title and home field advantage in the playoffs.
Last time the Red Bulls and Revolution played (in late May), New England was victorious 3–2. New England leads the all time series 25–16–11.
The loss puts an end to a disappointing season for the Revs. It’s the first time in eight years that they will not make it to the post season.
Thierry Henry didn’t make the roster for the game due to an injury to his left knee that he suffered during team practice. After arriving in New York, Henry has yet to live up to expectations. Hope is that he’ll be available for the beginning of the playoffs starting next week.
In the first half, the Revs were rather sluggish having difficulty stopping the Red Bull attack and unable to create quality scoring chances. The visitors only tested Red Bull keeper Bouna Coundoul three times in the first half and truly couldn’t muster a serious threat.
New York’s first goal came in the 17th minute from Dane Richards on a beautiful pass from Juan Pablo Angel that led Richards across midfield. Richards finished with an excellent strike firing the ball in the top left corner for his fifth of the season.This season, the Red Bulls have never lost after scoring first.
New England had a golden opportunity in the 48th minute when Coundoul dropped a cross in front of the goal while surrounded by Revolution players. Fortunately for Coundoul his defense came to the rescue and the Red Bulls survived what would have been an embarrassing equalizer.
New England continued to be far more aggressive in the second half creating several more chances than in the first and defensively, they shut down Red Bulls winger Richards.
But they were still unable to capitalize as Coundoul walked away with another shut out.
Joel Lindpere finished off the Revolution with a goal in the 92nd minute, receiving the ball on a nice feed from rookie Tony Tchani. Revolution keeper Bobby Shuttleworth was committed to his left side and Lindpere put it into an empty net, making it 2–0.
“Just stick to the game plan and keep a clean sheet. … [I know they] tried to close me down in the second half,” said match-winner Richards.
Lindpere has shown great commitment to the Red Bulls—he has passed up opportunities to play for his national team.
Going into the playoffs the lesser names for the Red Bulls are proving themselves as a more critical part of the overall success. Dane Richards has scored goals in the last four games, Joel Lindpere may be one of the best two-way players in the league, and defender Tim Ream could be the rookie of the year. Other notables are Roy Miller and Bouna Coundoul who’ve both done their jobs extremely well.
New York is not yet sure who they will face when the playoffs begin as the season wraps up this weekend.
Last time the Red Bulls and Revolution played (in late May), New England was victorious 3–2. New England leads the all time series 25–16–11.
The loss puts an end to a disappointing season for the Revs. It’s the first time in eight years that they will not make it to the post season.
Thierry Henry didn’t make the roster for the game due to an injury to his left knee that he suffered during team practice. After arriving in New York, Henry has yet to live up to expectations. Hope is that he’ll be available for the beginning of the playoffs starting next week.
In the first half, the Revs were rather sluggish having difficulty stopping the Red Bull attack and unable to create quality scoring chances. The visitors only tested Red Bull keeper Bouna Coundoul three times in the first half and truly couldn’t muster a serious threat.
New York’s first goal came in the 17th minute from Dane Richards on a beautiful pass from Juan Pablo Angel that led Richards across midfield. Richards finished with an excellent strike firing the ball in the top left corner for his fifth of the season.This season, the Red Bulls have never lost after scoring first.
New England had a golden opportunity in the 48th minute when Coundoul dropped a cross in front of the goal while surrounded by Revolution players. Fortunately for Coundoul his defense came to the rescue and the Red Bulls survived what would have been an embarrassing equalizer.
New England continued to be far more aggressive in the second half creating several more chances than in the first and defensively, they shut down Red Bulls winger Richards.
But they were still unable to capitalize as Coundoul walked away with another shut out.
Joel Lindpere finished off the Revolution with a goal in the 92nd minute, receiving the ball on a nice feed from rookie Tony Tchani. Revolution keeper Bobby Shuttleworth was committed to his left side and Lindpere put it into an empty net, making it 2–0.
“Just stick to the game plan and keep a clean sheet. … [I know they] tried to close me down in the second half,” said match-winner Richards.
Estonian Excels
Joel Lindpere scored the first and last goals of the season in the inaugural year at Red Bull Arena. The Estonian was clearly a find for coach Hans Backe and a bargain for the Red Bulls organization.Lindpere has shown great commitment to the Red Bulls—he has passed up opportunities to play for his national team.
Going into the playoffs the lesser names for the Red Bulls are proving themselves as a more critical part of the overall success. Dane Richards has scored goals in the last four games, Joel Lindpere may be one of the best two-way players in the league, and defender Tim Ream could be the rookie of the year. Other notables are Roy Miller and Bouna Coundoul who’ve both done their jobs extremely well.
New York is not yet sure who they will face when the playoffs begin as the season wraps up this weekend.
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