CLEARWATER, FLA. (February 24, 2016) - The New York Red Bulls played to a scoreless draw against MLS side Philadelphia Union on Wednesday evening at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater. New York's starters saw extended minutes as the team heads into the final days of preseason camp.
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New York's first group, including nine starters from last season, applied the pressure from the start, playing the majority of the first 15 minutes in the Philadelphia end and generating several scoring chances.
Gonzalo Veron, starting up top with Mike Grella, showed his impact from the get go, utilizing his speed to force the Union into turnovers.
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Philadelphia's Ilsinho, signed earlier today, was ejected after seeing a second yellow in the 44thminute, giving New York the opportunity to play the entirety of the second half against 10 men.
Bradley Wright-Phillips entered for Grella at the start of the second half, while Anatole Abangreplaced Veron.
Both striker partnerships, Veron and Grella as well as Wright-Phillips and Abang, played well together and were able to create space and chances for each other.
The Red Bulls had four quality chances in the first 20 minutes, both finding a way towards goal and by earning corner kicks, but Union 'keeper John McCarthy was superb on the night, making several high-quality saves.
Red Bulls' captain Dax McCarty played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by second-year Homegrown player Sean Davis.
Sacha Kljestan played 56 minutes before taking a knock. He was replaced by Homegrown signingAlex Muyl.
Gideon Baah and Ronald Zubar started for New York at center back, shutting down the first-choice Union attack and limiting the chances on Luis Robles.
Robles played the full 90 minutes in goal and was solid when called upon, including making a one-on-one save on Ilsinho in the 26th minute.
Chris Duvall, Tyler Adams, Zach Carroll, Vincent Bezecourt and Connor Lade entered the match around the 60th minute for Sal Zizzo, Felipe, Gideon Baah, Lloyd Sam and Kemar Lawrence.
Wednesday's contest was New York's last test against MLS competition this preseason. The Red Bulls face NASL side Jacksonville Armada on Saturday before returning home to make final preparations for the season opener on Sunday, March 6, when Toronto FC visits Red Bull Arena. Kickoff for the season opener is set for 1:30 p.m., with coverage in English and Spanish on MSG Networks and the Red Bulls Radio Network.
BOX SCORE
New York Red Bulls Match Recap
NY 0, PHI 0
February 24, 2016
Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex
Clearwater, Fla.
Scoring Summary
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Discipline Summary
PHI - Sebastien LeToux (caution, foul) 28'
PHI - Ilsinho (caution, foul) 29'
NY - Sacha Kljestan (caution, foul) 31'
PHI - Brian Carroll (caution, foul) 32'
PHI - Vincent Nogueira (caution, foul) 42'
PHI - Ilsinho (ejection, second yellow) 44'
PHI - Roland Alberg (caution, foul) 74'
Lineups
NY: Luis Robles; Sal Zizzo (Chris Duvall, 61'), Gideon Baah (Zach Carroll, 61'), Ronald Zubar, (Karl Ouimette, 46'), Kemar Lawrence (Connor Lade, 61'), Dax McCarty © (Sean Davis, 46'), Felipe (Tyler Adams, 61'), Sacha Kljestan (Alex Muyl, 56'), Lloyd Sam (Vincent Bezecourt, 61'), Mike Grella (Bradley Wright-Phillips, 46'), Gonzalo Veron (Anatole Abang, 46')
PHI: John McCarthy; Fabinho (Taylor Washington, 46'), Ken Tribbett (Anderson, 46'), Joshua Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry (Ray Gaddis, 61'); Brian Carroll (Roland Alberg, 46'), Vincent Nogueira (Warren Crevalle, 46'); Chris Pontius (Walter Restrepo, 46'), Ilsinho, Sebastien Le Toux (Leo Fernandes, 46'); Fabian Herbers (C.J. Sapong, 61')
