“It was so high in the air it gave me a chance…I enjoyed that one actually.” – Bradley Wright-Phillips
Some of the best athletes are defined by their performances on the biggest stages in pressure situations. The win-or-go-home Knockout round on October 30 at Red Bull Arena versus the defending MLS champions Sporting KC was arguably one such moment.
Staring down a one goal deficit and yet another home playoff loss, the Red Bulls equalized in the 77th minute via their MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips.
But the Red Bulls wanted more.
“I always run through plays in my head,” Wright-Phillips said. “Like ‘I wish this would happen’ or ‘Please God just one more chance.’ I was just happy it came.”
The opportunity arrived in the 90th minute when Peguy Luyindula played a through ball out wide to Ambroise Oyongo. Oyongo, alone by the sideline, located Wright-Phillips in the penalty box and struck his cross.
“The ball wasn’t great, but because it was so high in the air it gave me a chance,” Wright-Phillips said. “I was surprised that I didn’t get closed down or the keeper didn’t come and get it. But as soon as I got up, I knew I needed a bit of power. It didn’t look hard, but I had to use the neck muscles and I was just trying to find that far corner.”
And find the far corner he did. His header took a bounce off the turf and careened off the post and in. The Red Bulls’ bench were warming up on the endline as the triumphant goal scorer marched over and promptly met BWP with embraces all around in front of an exuberant South Ward.
The game winning goal did not only eliminate the defending MLS Cup Champions, but sent the Red Bulls into the Conference Semifinals to face Atlantic Cup rivals D.C. United.
“I know I looked angry…but I enjoyed that one actually. I was delighted.”
NY: 90’ Bradley Wright-Phillips (2). Assisted By: Ambroise Oyongo (1), Peguy Luyindula (2).
