An early Andreas Ivan goal helped the New York Red Bulls (0-0-1) steal a road point in a 1-1 draw against Columbus Crew SC (0-0-1) on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium. Red Bulls moved to 7-8-8 in MLS season-opening matches.
New York extended its unbeaten streak across all competitions to four matches, dating back to the end of last season. The Red Bulls have outscored their opponents, 7-1 over the last four games.
The Red Bulls extended their unbeaten streak in league play to seven matches (5-0-2), dating back to last year.
Ivan wasted little time getting New York their first goal in MLS play as he headed in a Florian Valot cross in the 6th minute.
Crew SC found the game’s equalizer in the 41st minute as Federico Higuain’s corner kick was headed by Gaston Sauro and redirected by Michael Amir Murillo.
Ivan scored his first career MLS goal and has tallied a goal in back-to-back matches across all competitions.
Valot recorded first MLS assist since his injury on July 7, 2018
Columbus’ Sauro’s goal in the 41st minute brought Luis Robles’ scoreless streak to 342 minutes across all competitions, dating back to last season.
Bronx, New York native and Academy Product Omir Fernandez made his first career MLS start, while MLS SuperDraft Second-Round pick and Massapequa, New York native Sean Nealis made his first career league-play appearance.
Newly acquired Red Bulls Amro Tarek and Marcus Epps both made their first MLS starts and appearances for New York.
Valot and Vincent Bezecourt, both of whom ended 2018 with injuries, returned to action as they both were in the Starting XI.
New York is 15-16-10 all-time in the month of March. New York has scored 57 goals in March and allowed 57.
Head coach Chris Armas moved to 12-3-4 overall in MLS regular-season matches and 4-2-4 in league road games.
Following Saturday’s match against Columbus, New York and Santos Laguna clash in the SCCL Quarterfinals on Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from Red Bull Arena.
IN FOCUS: Red Bulls Get Road Point in First Match by New York Red Bulls on Exposure
