The New York Red Bulls advanced into the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over D.C. United.
On Tuesday night at MSU Soccer Park, Omir Fernandez found the back of the net off a Tom Barlow cross in the 28th minute as the match's lone goal.
Fernandez’ goal was the second of his career in the U.S. Open Cup. The goal was the second for Fernandez across all competitions in 2023. Barlow recorded his first career U.S, Open Cup assist. The assist was also the first of his career with New York in all competitions.
"Going into the match, we needed to have action," Head Coach Troy Lesesne said. "We needed to use this as a reset and start to move forward in our season and this was a great chance for us to be able to move in that direction tonight, a game so quickly after so much is going on in the last 24 or 48 hours."
Barlow has recorded two goals and one assist in three U.S. Open Cup appearances at MSU Soccer Park.
New York did not allow a shot on goal during the match.
"I have big respect for these guys because this hasn't been easy for anybody in the club right now," Lesesne said. "How they responded and it was first class and I think it's a really positive step in the right direction, from players to staff, the support from our supporters in our community here. I'm just really thrilled to see us again, move in the right in the right direction."
Goalkeeper Ryan Meara made his 16th appearance in the U.S. Open Cup, which is the most by any player in franchise history. Meara earned his seventh career clean sheet in the Open Cup and his 10th career win.
Since 2010, New York has recorded a 12-1-2 mark at home in U.S. Open Cup play.
Lesesne earned his first win with the club and has posted a 5-1-0 mark in the U.S. Open Cup as a head coach.
"We have this phrase, 'All In,' it's a mantra for us," Lesesne said. "I think you saw that today and players were playing in different positions. It wasn't always perfect in the game and I think again, you got to see the resolve. And that's where I have big respect as we fought through the adversity of the last 24 to 48 hours and the adversity of where our roster is."
The Round of 16 draw will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 2 PM ET.
