HARRISON, N.J. – That all-too-familiar feeling was beginning to creep into the psyche of some New York Red Bulls players. Head coach Mike Petke even began to question whether his team was scared of the playoffs.
The Red Bulls were down a goal and on the brink of another early elimination from the MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T, a result of wayward finishing in the first half and a costly self-induced mistake in the second. But New York shook off the fear of losing even as the minutes ticked away, regrouping to score two late goals in a 2-1 victory over reigning MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round game on Thursday night.
MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips came up with both of New York’s tallies at Red Bull Arena, pushing a Thierry Henry cross home in the 77th minute and flicking a header just inside of the far post in the final minute of regulation.
Festive scenes in front of the jam-packed South Ward naturally followed, as the Red Bulls had not only avoided the type of playoff letdown that has become far too common in their history but also picked up their first postseason win at home since 2005.
“The guys showed resiliency, guts, which is perhaps something I’m more proud of than any goals and tactics,” said Petke of the victory that gave New York their first playoff triumph at Red Bull Arena. “Kansas City is a great team, they really are...They threw me for a loop, coming in and sitting the way they did, but it was effective.
“They did a great job with it. We really couldn’t break them down the deeper they were. They’re a quality side, they got a goal, and the guts that we showed I’m very proud of.”
Ending a near-decade of home frustrations and mediocrity was a sweet moment for the Red Bulls, but it only came about after a nervy stretch that raised a cloud of doubt over the 15,000-plus fans in attendance.
Missing on several good looks in a first half that saw Kansas City settle in to absorb pressure, New York fell behind after Eric Alexander was caught being a bit too casual on the ball near midfield in the 53rd minute. Benny Feilhaber then fed Dom Dwyer with the ensuing pass, and the finish was clinical.
The Red Bulls were down, their mental fortitude being tested. But the insertion of Peguy Luyindula in the 65th minute helped give Petke’s attack a spark, and the ball the midfielder played to Henry to set up Wright-Phillips’ first of the night tilted the momentum back in New York’s favor.
“It settled a lot of nerves, because it was just nerve-wracking thinking every chance meant so much,” said midfielder Lloyd Sam. “Once we got back to 1-1, I think that affected them, too, because they had defended so well. Then, to give us one was tough because they kind of had to change their game plan again. It meant a lot, the timing that he scored.”
Wright-Phillips then did what he has done so many times this season, capitalizing on an opponent’s mistake and scoring the winner. Miscommunication from Sporting KC center backs Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin and goalkeeper Eric Kronberg allowed for that to happen, as they left Wright-Phillips all alone in the box to nod home a mishit cross from Ambroise Oyongo’s less-preferred right foot.
A joyous celebration followed and the euphoria carried into the locker room, but the Red Bulls know that they have to shift gears quickly. An Eastern Conference semifinal series with D.C. United starts on Sunday (4 pm ET, Univision Deportes), and the club will need to refocus, recover and improve in order to keep the postseason run going.
“We haven’t done anything. Still a long way to go,” said Henry. “It’s not because you beat Kansas City that you’ve done anything. That doesn’t give you nothing. We didn’t get anything at the end of the game – just the right to advance and make sure we can play D.C. That’s all.”
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached by email at Franco8813@gmail.com.
