HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls' dominance of New York City FC has extended to the U.S. Open Cup as Daniel Royer’s second half goal lifted the hosts to a 1-0 fourth round victory Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena.
Royer came on for Mike Grella at the start of the second half and helped energize a Red Bulls team that was fortunate not to trail at the half thanks to a Tommy McNamara attempt that hit the crossbar twice and another shot off the far post by David Villa.
Royer’s goal came after NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson raced off his line to get a piece of Bradley Wright-Phillips’ initial attempt. The ball bounced to Royer, who went back across the goal with a first-time attempt that landed inside the far post in the 67th minute.
NYCFC, which exits the Open Cup at first asking for a third straight year, won’t have to wait long for revenge. The teams meet in the first of three MLS regular season encounters June 24 at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls have won six of the seven all-time meetings.
