Right-back Kyle Duncan didn’t think the ball had gone in after unleashing a hard-shot from outside the box in the 59th minute, but it did and his second goal of the present season gave the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 victory in the 17th edition of the New York Derby.
“I was actually saying that this was not a goal because I thought it was on the line, but I was hoping that it was,” said Duncan in the post-game Zoom call with the media. “It came to the result that it was a good goal, and I was pretty happy in the moment. I feel like we were putting everything out on the field and we really deserved that goal, like Jason [Pendant], Jason put that cross into the box and Danny [Royer] went up for the header and didn’t win it but all those things led up to me being in that spot and I was in the right spot to get that volley off and Sean Johnson just spilled [his save] and it was a goal.”
Head Coach Chris Armas praised Duncan’s attentiveness, as he’s always looking to improve his skill set.
“Kyle Duncan is improving all the time, you can see it. He commits to the way we play, he’s attentive in video sessions,” said Armas. “In games, which is the biggest teacher at times, he’s been given opportunity there and he’s run with it. His 1v1 defending is very, very good. He’s gotten good at moving his feet, without fouling, using his arms, and you can see he enjoys getting forward. We’re really happy with Kyle, he’s done really well and he fits the system really well. Another good game for him.”
So far in the 2020 season, Duncan has two goals and two assists, and although he wasn’t able to grab an assist or goal in the MLS is Back Tournament, his defensive contributions were fundamental, especially in the win over Atlanta, in which the Brooklyn native finished with nine clearances and won six aerial duels.
Against New York City FC, Duncan gave another performance that should stir excitement among our fanbase. At only 23-years-old, Duncan’s progression will only get better.
