PORTLAND, ORE. (September 20, 2015) - The New York Red Bulls defeated the Portland Timbers, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon at Providence Park in Portland. Felipe and Damien Perrinelle both scored for New York, while Luis Robles earned a shutout in his 100th consecutive league start for New York.
With the win, the Red Bulls clinch a berth in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. New York is now 14-8-6, and vault back to first place in the Eastern Conference, where they began the week. The Red Bulls are also tied on points for the top spot in the league with Vancouver.
The Red Bulls are now 5-6-4 on the road, putting them in a tie with Columbus Crew SC for the second-best road winning percentage in MLS (.467) behind only Vancouver.
New York took the lead in the 43rd minute with a long distance blast from Felipe. The Brazilian took possession around midfield, dribbled and launched a shot from more than 30 yards out that beat Timbers' goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey for his third of the season.
New York got a second just before the end of the half. Sacha Kljestan put in a cross after a short corner, and Perrinelle outjumped a defender to make contact and send a looping header over Kwarasey and in for his second of the year.
Kljestan's assist was his team-leading 11th of the season. The midfielder continues to produce, and now has four goals and 10 assists in his last 13 matches.
Robles made four saves to earn his ninth shutout of the season, and 28th of his MLS career, adding to the franchise record he set earlier this season. His 100 consecutive starts is the second-longest iron man streak in league history, behind only Kevin Hartman's 112. Robles is the only player to make 100 consecutive starts for the same franchise in league history.
The Red Bulls two Summer acquisitions, Gonzalo Veron and Shaun Wright-Phillips, each made their first MLS starts on Sunday, replacing Mike Grella and Lloyd Sam on the wings. Grella and Sam both entered the game in the second half to give New York fresh legs.
New York is back home on Friday, September 25, when Orlando City SC makes its first trip to Red Bull Arena. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on Univision. New York will play four of the final six at home to close out the regular season.
