The New York Red Bulls earned a convincing 2-0 win over rival D.C. United on Sunday afternoon to the home portion of the 2015 schedule at Red Bull Arena. 2014 MLS Golden Boot Winner Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the game winner, while Lloyd Sam added a 71st minute insurance goal, his second in as many games to start the year.
New York now looks ahead to a Saturday tilt in Columbus against Crew SC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 on Saturday from MAPFRE Stadium. The game will be broadcast on MSG2.
Four In Two
The Red Bulls have started the season by earning points in two straight games, beginning with an opening-day draw in Kansas City and following up with a resounding 2-0 win over D.C. last weekend at Red Bull Arena. Four points through two games put them in second place in the Eastern Conference behind only New York City FC, who have a two draws and a win over New England to their name.
Last season’s Red Bulls didn’t grab three points until the seventh game of the season, on April 18 against Philadelphia. The 2013 Supporter’s Shield-winning side did not see victory until their fifth game of the year, also a 2-1 win over Philly.
The victory over D.C. also marks the first time the Red Bulls have won a home opener since 2012, when the team took down Colorado 4-1 on March 25, 2012.
Bradley Wright-Phillips Voted MLS Player of the Week
New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips has been named MLS Player of the Week following his performance in the Red Bulls’ 2-0 win over D.C. United in the 2015 home opener. The 2014 MLS Golden Boot Winner scored the game-winning goal, and then set up Lloyd Sam for the 71st minute insurance marker.
Wright-Phillips picked up right where he left off against rival D.C. United. After tying the MLS single-season scoring record in 2014, BWP went on to score four goals in four playoff games, including the game-winner in the first leg against D.C. in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Three’s company for MLS Team of the Week
Following a dominant win over rival D.C. United on Sunday, Three Red Bulls players – captain Dax McCarty, midfielder Lloyd Sam and forward Bradley Wright-Phillips were named to the MLS team of the week. All three figured into the box score in the home opener, with McCarty assisting on Wright-Phillips’ game winner, and BWP sharing the love with Lloyd Sam, setting up his countryman for a goal to put the game away in the 71st minute.
Luis Robles nominated for MLS Save of the Week
Following his first clean sheet of the season, and 20th career MLS shutout, Luis Robles has been nominated for MLS Save of the Week for the second time in as many games. Robles’ point-blank save on D.C.’s Chris Rolfe in the 77th minute of Sunday’s game has earned him recognition in the league’s weekly nominations. Fan voting for Save of the Week runs through Thursday.
Columbus Bound
The Red Bulls travel to Columbus this weekend to take on Crew SC at newly-named MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus is off to a 1-1-0 start this season, falling 1-0 in Houston on opening day before earning a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC in Week Two.
New York is 26-25-9 all-time against Crew SC, including an 11-15-4 mark in Columbus. The teams split the regular season series, with a 1-1 draw in Columbus and each side winning a game at Red Bull Arena.
New York is 2-1-2 in its last five trips to Columbus. The last road win against Crew SC came in a 1-0 victory on May 4, 2013.
