Red Bulls fall, 2-1, at Seattle
The New York Red Bulls fell to Seattle Sounders FC, 2-1, on Sunday evening in the Emerald City. New York struck first but could not hang on as Seattle found the game-winner in stoppage time.
New York got the game's first goal in the 36th minute as Lloyd Sam tallied his fourth goal of the season. Sam's header came after Bradley Wright-Phillips' shot from the top of the circle was deflected and Sam was first to react from five yards out to score the goal.
Seattle had a terrific opportunity to score the game's first goal in the game's 12th minute as Cristian Roldan's header from the center of the box off a free kick was on target, but Luis Robles made a terrific diving save to his left.
The Red Bulls almost held a 2-0 advantage in the 61st after Mike Grella's curler from distance. But Stefan Frei came up with a big save of his own, laying out to keep the game 1-0.
The save would prove to be a big one, as the Sounders would equalize just minutes later. Pappa collected an Obafemi Martins ball in the left side of the box and made a terrific individual effort as he unloaded a laser shot into the top right corner to tie the game at one in the 69th minute.
The game looked to end in a draw for both sides before Seattle earned the game-winner in stoppage time. Seattle found the win in the 91st, with Tyrone Mears lifting a cross in from the right wing that Clint Dempsey latched onto at the back post. Dempsey hit the ball across the face of goal, with Barrett tapping it home into an empty net from close range.
With the result New York moves to 4-3-5 on the year, but remains in third in the Eastern Conference.
Red Bulls in Houston for Friday night showdown
The Red Bulls are back at it on Friday night with another trip west. New York heads to Houston for a Friday night appointment with the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. ET.
Houston enters at 4-5-5, with a 1-1 tie at New York City FC last weekend. This will be the only meeting between the two clubs this season, with Houston making the switch to the Western Conference ahead of 2015. Last year, the Red Bulls took the season series, with two wins at Red Bull Arena and a 2-2 draw in Houston.
After this match, New York has a weekend off before returning home for three straight – a midweek match in the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 16 before returning to league play with home matches against Vancouver on June 20 and Real Salt Lake on June 24.
McCarty Named to MLS Team of the Week
New York Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty has been named to the MLS Team of the Week for his performance against Seattle.
McCarty earned a spot for his work ethic in the holding midfield role – stopping more than a few counter attacks from Seattle. According to Opta, McCarty won all three of his tackles, had one interception, three clearances and recovered possession eight times, including seven in the defensive half.
He also remains key to the Red Bulls’ transition. More often than not, the captain is responsible for starting the passing out of the back. McCarty completed 60 of 71 passes in the contest (84.5%), and completed roughly the same number in the defensive and offensive halves of the field.
Robles up for Save of the Week
New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles has been nominated for MLS Save of the Week.
Robles made a great reaction save in the 12th minute to deny Seattle an early lead. Christian Roldan got directed a free header into the lower right corner, but Robles was able to push the ball wide with a full extension save.
With the start on Sunday Robles moved past Tim Howard to take sole possession of second place on the all-time franchise list for games started in goal with 84. With his next win, he will tie Howard for second-most wins in franchise history. Tony Meola is the all-time leader in both categories, with 125 career starts and 48 wins for New York.
Trio of Defenders Called into National Team Camps
New York Red Bulls defenders Karl Ouimette, Kemar Lawrence and Roy Miller have all been selected to represent their respective countries for international matches.
All three players will be available for New York this Friday against Houston before they depart to join their national teams.
Ouimette has received the call for Canada's home-and-away series against Dominica, while Lawrence has been named to Jamaica's final roster for the 2015 Copa America. Miller has also been called into camp for Costa Rica, and will join the Ticos for a friendly against Spain on June 11.
Miazga, U.S. Advance in U-20 World Cup
Matt Miazga and the U.S. Under-20 team have clinched a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 4-0 win over hosts New Zealand. The U.S. has clinched a spot to advance out of group A with two wins through their first two matches.
Miazga, a product of the Red Bulls’ academy, has played a full 90 in both matches while the U.S. has allowed just one goal.
NYRB II fall in Richmond
New York Red Bulls II fell to the Richmond Kickers, 4-2, on the road Saturday evening at City Stadium in Richmond. NYRB II could not overcome three first-half goals from the Kickers.
NYRB II moves to 3-5-3 with the result, but remain near the playoff picture in the USL Eastern Conference standings.
NYRB II pulled on back on the 48th minute thanks to a great individual effort from Red Bulls U-18 captain Derrick Etienne. Etienne received the ball on the wing, darted to the endline and cut inside, beating a defender before curling a shot from a steep angle across the face of goal and inside the far post.
The second NYRB II goal came in the 80th minute when Chris Tsonis saw his penalty attempt saved but was able to put back the rebound.
Next up for NYRB II is a trip to Montreal for a match against FC Montreal at Stade Saputo on Saturday, June 6. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. It will be the second of six consecutive road matches. NYRB II are next home on July 12, when the Harrisburg City Islanders come to town for a match at Rocco B. Commisso field on the campus of Columbia University in Manhattan.
