HARRISON, NJ (August 17, 2013) – Despite having several chances to score, the New York Red Bulls settled for a 0-0 tie against the Philadelphia Union Saturday evening in front of a sold out crowd of 25,355 at Red Bull Arena.
The win pushed the Red Bulls (11-8-6, 39 pts.) into a tie for first place with Sporting Kansas City (11-7-6, 39 pts.) in a congested Eastern Conference, while the Union (10-7-8, 38 pts.) and the Montreal Impact (11-7-5, 38 pts.) are trailing by just one point. Sporting Kansas City plays tomorrow against San Jose.
In a tight first half, both teams had few solid chances. Philadelphia forward Conor Casey forced goalkeeper Luis Robles to make a simple save a few minutes in before Red Bulls defender Markus Holgersson tried to slide it past the Union’s Zac MacMath, but could not get it through. In the 34th minute, New York had the best chance of the half as forward Fabian Espindola headed a Jonny Steele cross on target. However, MacMath was there to tip it over the bar.
Searching for the game’s opening goal, Steele ripped an attempt that went wide right in the 60th minute. Soon after, Tim Cahill’s header following an Eric Alexander feed was caught by MacMath. In the 73rd minute, the Union was inches from going up 1-0. Sebastien Le Toux was able to control the ball in the box and slammed it off the crossbar with his right foot.
With 11 minutes to play in the match, Steele created space for himself and rolled it from 20 yards just past the right post. On the other end, Robles made a stellar fingertip save on substitute Antoine Hoppenot to keep the scoreline level. New York’s Brandon Barklage almost earned the Red Bulls the three points in stoppage time, powerfully nodding a Henry corner kick straight into MacMath’s arms.
The Red Bulls will face CD Chivas USA on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 5:00 PM at the StubHub Center (TV: MSG; Radio: ESPN Deportes Radio Nueva York 1050 AM). New York’s next home match is on Aug. 31, when they battle D.C. United at Red Bull Arena at 8:00 PM. Tickets for Red Bulls matches are available by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
New York Red Bulls 0, Philadelphia Union 0
August 17, 2013 – Red Bull Arena – Harrison, NJ
MLS Regular Season
Scoring Summary:
None
Disciplinary Summary:
NY: Fabian Espindola (caution) 29’
New York Red Bulls (11-8-6, 39 points) – Luis Robles, Markus Holgersson, Jamison Olave (Brandon Barklage 76’), Ibrahim Sekagya, Roy Miller, Eric Alexander (Lloyd Sam 66’), Dax McCarty, Tim Cahill, Jonny Steele, Fabian Espindola (Peguy Luyindula 61’), Thierry Henry
Substitutes Not Used: Ryan Meara, Matt Miazga, Connor Lade, Marius Obekop
Philadelphia Union (10-7-8, 38 points) – Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Fabinho, Sebastien Le Toux, Brian Carroll, Danny Cruz (Michael Farfan 71’), Keon Daniel, Jack McInerney Antoine Hoppenot 66’), Conor Casey (Aaron Wheeler 89’)
Substitutes Not Used: Oka Nikolov, Kleberson, Michael Lahoud, Leonardo Fernandes
Referee: Jair Marrufo
Referee’s Assistants: Eric Boria, Corey Rockwell
4th Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Attendance: 25,355
