Aaron Long and Daniel Royer both scored as the New York Red Bulls defeated DC United 2-0 Saturday night. It’s their first win under interim head coach Bradley Carnell, who replace Chris Armas on September 5th. The positive result is New York’s first since their victory of NYCFC in mid-August.
Aaron Long posted the first goal in the 29th minute. The Red Bulls won the free kick, which Kaku perfectly executed. Long slipped through the defense and was completely unmarked when he connected cleanly with the ball. DC keeper Chris Seitz was helpless to stop the point blank effort.
The Red Bulls defense still shows gaps which need to be filled but Bulls keeper Ryan Meara came up with a couple brilliant saves to give New York the shutout. He finished the game with four saves, including two undefended attempts from mere yards out from goal in the first half. He was subbed off in the 52nd after an apparent leg injury.
New York doubled their lead in the 60th minute. Newcomer Jason Pendant sent in a perfect cross from the left flank, which Daniel Royer timed brilliantly with his left foot to send past Seitz. The goal is Royer’s second of the season.
The goal gave the Red Bulls the insurance they needed to see out the win. Next up, they will face Cincinnati FC at home on Tuesday, September 19. Carnell and company will hope they can keep up the momentum and keep pace both the top 4 teams in the conference. They currently sit in 6th place, tied with New England Revolution.
Edited by Nick Sbordone