HARRISON, N.J. (March 24, 2015) – New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips has been voted MLS Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) following his performance in the Red Bulls’ 2-0 win over D.C. United in the 2015 home opener. The 2014 MLS Golden Boot Winner scored the game-winning goal, and then set up Lloyd Sam’s 71st minute insurance goal.
Wright-Phillips picked up right where he left off against rival D.C. United. After tying the MLS single-season scoring record in 2014, BWP went on to score four goals in four playoff games, including the game-winner in the first leg against D.C. in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Englishman opened his 2015 account in style, finding space between defenders to bring down a long pass from Dax McCarty at the top of the box, taking a touch to get into a good position and firing a shot back across the face of goal, beating D.C. ‘keeper Bill Hamid inside the left post.
Wright-Phillips was also instrumental in setting up the second goal of the evening. In the 71st minute, Red Bulls midfielder Felipe caused a turnover inside the D.C. half. The ball was collected by Wright-Phillips, who quickly transitioned the Red Bulls into a counter-attack. BWP then slotted a perfectly-weighted pass into the run of Sam, putting his countryman in with Hamid. Sam made the most of the opportunity, blasting a shot by Hamid on the short side.
The London native has already tied his goal-scoring output from the first six games of last season. Wright-Phillips scored just twice in his first 13 matches in 2014 before exploding for eight goals over the next four matches.
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com/.
Wright-Phillips and the Red Bulls will look to continue their success this weekend, when they travel to Columbus’ MAPFRE Stadium for a meeting with Crew SC on Saturday, March 28. Kickoff for that contest is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, live on MSG2.
