The New York Red Bulls took care of business in the Dominican Republic, picking up a comfortable 2-0 win over Atletico Pantoja to open their 2019 Concacaf Champions League campaign. The result gives the Red Bulls a very strong chance to advance to the quarterfinals when they host Pantoja in the return leg of the series on Feb. 27.
After a first half full of near misses, the New York picked up the opener through a few slivers of good fortune. Pantoja 'keeper Odalis Baez parried an effort that barely stayed in along the end line, allowing Alex Muyl to collect the ball and put it back in the mixer. It eventually found its way to Bradley Wright-Phillips, who smashed his effort in via deflections off the faces of Baez and then defender Jean Innocent, to whom an own goal was ultimately credited.
There was no doubt about the scorer of the Red Bulls' second goal on the other side of halftime. Kaku collected the ball near the end line and lofted a ball across the area with his weaker right foot for Daniel Royer to settle and slam past Baez to complete a well-worked move.
Also of note in the game, Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas handed a first-team debut to 20-year-old Homegrown Omir Fernandez, who entered as a 75th-minute substitute. Fernandez was among a number of Red Bulls players to miss chances to add to the lead late on.
Goals
- 39' – RBNY – Jean Innocent (OG)
- 67' – RBNY – Daniel Royer
Next Up
- Leg 2: Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Red Bull Arena (YahooSports.com, UDN)
IN FOCUS: Red Bulls Beat Atlético Pantoja, 2-0 by New York Red Bulls on Exposure
