In a match dominated by the New York Red Bulls, New York City FC stole a point from their cross-river rivals in the final leg of the Hudson River Derby.
Match Summary:
New York City FC was lucky to get a result out of this final leg of the Hudson River Derby. The New York Red Bulls were constantly on the attack and thoroughly dominated the Boys in Blue from start to finish.
The Red Bulls started off the match with an overwhelming majority of possession despite NYCFC having the opening kick, but despite their early match dominance, it was the visitors that would have the first dangerous shot on net thanks to a dangerousEthan Whitecross that would find the head of a wide openMaxi Morálezin the penalty area.
The Argentinian international’sheaderwas pushed just wide of the far post thanks to a finger-tip save by Red Bulls keeperLuis Robles. The Red Bulls would continue to dominate possession after that momentary defensive lapse and had a chance to take the lead in the 15th minute on aSean Davisscreamerfrom well outside the penalty area.
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It was only three minutes later that the home side would test keeperSean Johnsonagain whenMichael Murillo’sclose range, near postblastwas parried out of play for a corner. The Red Bulls would continue to dominate the flow of play for the remainder of the half and almost took the lead in stoppage time. Murillo found himself free in the box once again and hit achip shotoff the near post. Despite the home side’s overwhelming dominance, the match would go into the half scoreless.
The Red Bulls had the first chance of the second half to take the lead in the 47th minute whenFelipedrilled an absolutescreamerpast Johnson that banged off the cross bar. After a questionableno callin the box on aBradley Wright-Phillipsfar post header seven minutes later, NYCFC opened the scoring on their ensuing possession in the 56th minute.
Maxi Morález slipped free behind the Red Bulls back line and beat Robles far post with a low drivenshotthat gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. The home side would finally catch a break in the 68th minute when midfielderSacha Kljestanwasbrought downin the box byR.J. Allen.Gonzalo Verónwould step up to the penalty spot and easily beat Johnson down the middle to tie the match at 1-1.
After a back and forth final 20 minutes, the two sides had to settle for a draw and NYCFC miraculously escaped Red Bull Arena with a point.
Man of the Match: Maxi Morález
It’d be hard to give this honor to anyone other than Maxi Morález when you take NYCFC’s overall performance into consideration. The Argentinian international was the lone bright spot on Friday night and was responsible for the club’s only goal of the match.
NYCFC First: Hudson River Derby Draw
In the young history of the Hudson River Derby, there had never been a draw between the two teams until Friday night’s result. The draw also marks the first time NYCFC didn’t lose a single match to their cross-river rivals in MLS play.
Officiating Review: Jair Marrufo
Jair Maruffocalled a fair match and let both squads establish some sort of flow to their game despite the high foul total. However, Maruffo did miss a few calls that would have easily turned the tide of the match in either club’s favor.
The 16-year veteran made a questionable no call when R.J. Allen hip-checked Bradley Wright-Phillips, missed a hand ball in the box on aDavid Villaheader, and he was inconsistent with his yellow card fouls.
Next: For the New York Mets, the Future Has to Begin Now
Up Next: Sporting Kansas City, 9/6, 7:30 pm ET Kick
NYCFC has a favorable home matchup against Sporting Kansas City just after the international break next week. Despite being one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, Sporting have been absolutely abysmal on the road. The Kansas City side owns a 2-5-5 record and has only scored six goals in 12 matches away from Children’s Mercy Park.
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