The New York Red Bulls missed a huge oppurtunity to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday as they tied Real Salt Lake 2-2. Although the Red Bulls can still qualify for the fast approaching playoffs, a win would have ensured them a spot.
Once again it was the heroics of and a late goal by MLS MVP contender Juan Pablo Angel that saved the Red Bulls from an extremely disspointing loss at home. The score was 2-1 Real Salt Lake up at the 80th minute when the Colombian international's penalty kick gave the Red Bulls a much need equalizer against Real Salt Lake, a club that is considered by many as one of the worst in Major Laeague Soccer right now.
Real Salt Lake's Chris Brown scored the first goal of the match at the 22nd minute.
The Red Bulls had several chances in the first half but could not capitalize on them. At the 40th minute, "New Jersey native Alecko Eskandarian put the ball just wide from distance and one minute before halftime, Angel was stopped from point-blank range again. Rimando then made a diving save on a Kovalenko attempt."
The first half ended with Salt Lake in the lead 1-0.
Francis Doe finally scored the equalizer with his second goal of the season at the 49th minute. Kyle Beckerman of Real Salt Lake scored in the 75th minute to bring his team back in the lead.
Red Bull coach Bruce Arena made his final subsitution of the match at the 64th minute in which he replaced Doe with Livingston, New Jersey native Jozy Altidore, who became most well known for his role in this past summer's FIFA Under 20 World Cup where he represented the US Under 20 National Team. This was Altidore's first apperance for tteh Red Bulls since they lost their away match against New England on August 25th at Gillete Stadium. Altidore nearly scored the equalizer a few minutes later. The Red Bulls finally got their chance to tie it up after Seth Stammler was tripped up by Real Salt Lake's Carey Talley while attemtping to score. The Red Bulls earned a penalty kick as a result giving Angel his 17th goal of the season and setting a record for most goals in one season surpassing fellow Colombian Adolfo Valencia on the all-time list. Valencia scored 16 goals in 2000.
This result gives the Red Bulls their third consecutive tie and only one win in their last seven matches. With only three games left and an 11-10-6 regular season record, the Red Bulls need to pocket at least 3 more points (one more win) in order to ensure a spot in the MLS playoffs. Their next match is is on the road against Toronto FC which takes place this Thursday and will be televiized live on ESPN 2.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment