In a Hudson River Derby match with playoff implications as well as in Heineken Rivalry Week intrigue, New York City FC was able to avenge a July 14 loss at Harrison by edging New York Red Bulls 2-1 on Saturday evening at Yankee Stadium.
Despite a flurry of first-half action, each team only got a goal each before halftime. Alex Muylgot the Red Bulls up in the 10th minute; an NYCFC turnover led to an excellent push through the final third, with Kaku providing the final ball to Muyl. Bradley Wright-Phillips almost got the Red Bulls a second with a chance for an easy tap-in just past midway through the half.
NYCFC, meanwhile, hit the crossbar (on a close-in Valentin Castellanos attempt), hit the post (on a Heber screamer from distance) and had an excellent Alexandru Mitrita free kick parried away by Luis Robles. But late in the first half, Maxi Moralez earned a penalty kick via a Michael Murillo foul. He took the kick from the spot himself and converted to get the hosts level.
In the 53rd minute, Heber struck to put NYCFC in the lead for the first time in the match. Anton Tinnerholm worked the ball toward the near post, and the Brazilian backheeled a shot through Robles' legs for the finish.
The Red Bulls answered by deploying subs; most notably, Young Designated Player Josh Simsmade his MLS debut. Though Kaku and Tim Parker were nearly able to engineer an equalizer just before stoppage time started, the Cityzens were able to hold on for the win — even after losing Ronald Matarrita but going one head butt too far in a skirmish with Murillo.
Goals
- 10' – RBNY – Alex Muyl
- 43' – NYC – Maxi Moralez (PK)
- 53' – NYC – Heber
Next Up
- Saturday, August 31 vs. Colorado Rapids (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN in Canada)
