With a win on Thursday night, the Red Bulls are on the brink of making club history. Defeating Salvadorian side Alianza FC by a score of 1-0, New York further extended their lead atop Group F and can advance to the knockout stages of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League for the first time ever with a win, draw, or even a narrow defeat in their last group stage match against Antigua GFC. But first, let’s take a look back at the dramatic win at Red Bull Arena.
The home side started brightly and dominated the early proceedings, with Gonzalo Veron coming close in the opening minutes of the match.
Alianza goalkeeper Oscar Arroyo came up big on that occasion, as he did several times in the first half to keep New York at bay. Check out this save on Aurelien Collin from point blank range.
Kick save and a beauty.
The first half frustratingly ended scoreless despite the Red Bulls owning the majority of possession and creating a boatload of chances, but Alianza came out of the break determined to make their presence felt. A dangerous counter-attacking unit, the visitors nearly had a golden opportunity early in the second half, but Tyler Adams had other ideas.
They didn’t stop there, as Rodolfo Zelaya came agonizingly close to putting his team ahead. Luckily for New York, Ironman Luis Robles was manning the sticks.
And just when it looked like the Red Bulls would walk away with a disappointing draw at home, super-sub Sacha Kljestan saved New York’s bacon with some considerable help from Gonzalo Veron.
90th minute goal FTW.
GROUP HUG!
One step closer to moving on to the next round. Jesse, your thoughts?
Sounds about right. So long from Red Bull Arena. Until next time!
