17 year old Caden Clark scored in his debut to give the New York Red Bulls the 1-0 away win against Atlanta United Saturday night. Clark was recently added to the Red Bulls roster earlier that morning after New York sent $75,000 in allocation money to Minnesota for his MLS rights.
The victory may have been the last for interim manager Bradley Carnell. The Red Bulls have recently announced the appointment of Gerhard Stuber to the head manager role, but are awaiting the approval of his US work visa.
Clark’s goal came three minutes into the second half. After Sean Davis’ corner was headed away by an Atlanta defender, the 17 year old from Medina, Minnesota smashed through his right foot on the volley from 10-15 yards out. The ball was a laser through the crowded Atlanta box and beat keeper Brad Guzan at the right post. After a quick VAR check, it was ruled that Daniel Royer did not interfere with Guzan’s sight, as the keeper had protested, and the goal was confirmed.
After a fairly even first half in terms of possession and shots on goal, New York took control after Clark’s goal and never looked back. Kyle Duncan had a chance to double the lead 10 minutes later. After a series of spastic jukes from the Red Bulls defender, he put his left foot through it and nearly beat Guzan at his far post with a low curling shot that went just wide. Dru Yearwood struck the post in the 85th minute with a rocket that would’ve beat Guzan had it been on target.
Atlanta’s best chance to level the score came two minutes into stoppage time. After poor defending by New York left Emerson Hyndman 1v1 with Bulls keeper Ryan Meara, Meara snuffed out the opportunity but the ball fell to Atlanta’s Jon Gallagher. The United forward’s attempt went wide left however and the Red Bulls were able to see out the much needed victory.
Next up for New York is a trip Wednesday night over the border to face conference leading Toronto FC. The Red Bulls currently sit in 6th place with 23 points, 3 points behind crosstown rivals NYCFC.
Edited by Nick Sbordone
Comments