Hans Backe and the New York Red Bulls were unable to clinch the MLS Eastern Conference’s top spot, losing on the road against the expansion Philadelphia Union 2–1 on Saturday.
Swedish coach Backe once again had to deal with injuries and fatigue, not to mention an accumulation of yellow cards that benched Roy Miller. Newly acquired designated player (DP) Thierry Henry was not in the lineup for the game and DP Rafa Marquez was unable to play a full 90.
Only eight minutes into the game the Union scored off of a corner kick. Initially, the ball was headed and then fell to the feet of Brazilian Fred who had no problem blasting the ball into the back of the net.
The Union struck again 20 minutes later when Frenchman Sebastian Le Toux assisted Michael Orozco Fiscal for his11th assist of the season. Orozco Fiscal’s shot was a precise one that beat Red Bulls keeper Bouna Coundoul.
Coundoul returned to the roster with midfielder Dane Richards this week, as both were away on international duty when the Red Bulls tied Real Salt Lake last weekend 0–0.
The first 45 minutes was controlled by the Union. Not until the second half and after some substitutions by Backe were the Red Bulls able to get back into the game.
In the 48th minute, Danleigh Borman scored from the top of the box putting it past Union keeper Brad Knighton. Mehdi Ballouchy made this goal possible by assisting with a hairline pass. But that’s as close the New York would get.
Meanwhile in Toronto, Columbus Crew goalkeeper scored in injury time to steal a 2–2 draw with Toronto FC. The Crew are just one point back of the Red Bulls.
Next for the Red Bulls will be the New England Revoltion. Last time the Red Bulls played the Revolution they lost 3–2 back in late May. Currently the season series is split 1–1.
The game will be played at Red Bull Arena on Thursday night and will be broadcast on ESPN as the MLS game of the week.
Swedish coach Backe once again had to deal with injuries and fatigue, not to mention an accumulation of yellow cards that benched Roy Miller. Newly acquired designated player (DP) Thierry Henry was not in the lineup for the game and DP Rafa Marquez was unable to play a full 90.
Only eight minutes into the game the Union scored off of a corner kick. Initially, the ball was headed and then fell to the feet of Brazilian Fred who had no problem blasting the ball into the back of the net.
The Union struck again 20 minutes later when Frenchman Sebastian Le Toux assisted Michael Orozco Fiscal for his11th assist of the season. Orozco Fiscal’s shot was a precise one that beat Red Bulls keeper Bouna Coundoul.
Coundoul returned to the roster with midfielder Dane Richards this week, as both were away on international duty when the Red Bulls tied Real Salt Lake last weekend 0–0.
The first 45 minutes was controlled by the Union. Not until the second half and after some substitutions by Backe were the Red Bulls able to get back into the game.
In the 48th minute, Danleigh Borman scored from the top of the box putting it past Union keeper Brad Knighton. Mehdi Ballouchy made this goal possible by assisting with a hairline pass. But that’s as close the New York would get.
Meanwhile in Toronto, Columbus Crew goalkeeper scored in injury time to steal a 2–2 draw with Toronto FC. The Crew are just one point back of the Red Bulls.
Next for the Red Bulls will be the New England Revoltion. Last time the Red Bulls played the Revolution they lost 3–2 back in late May. Currently the season series is split 1–1.
The game will be played at Red Bull Arena on Thursday night and will be broadcast on ESPN as the MLS game of the week.
