HOUSTON, TX (October 20, 2013) –Midfielder Tim Cahill scored the fastest goal in MLS history eight seconds in and defender Ibrahim Sekagya and forward Bradley Wright-Phillips recorded their first League goals as the New York Red Bulls (16-9-8, 56 pts.) went back to the top of the Eastern Conference and MLS Supporters’ Shield standings with a comprehensive 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo (13-11-9, 48 pts.) at BBVA Compass Stadium Sunday.
WATCH: Cahill’s Record-Setting Goal (LINK)
WATCH: Red Bulls 3, Dynamo 0 – Full Highlights (LINK)
The playoff-bound Red Bulls can capture their first-ever Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the most regular season points, with a win on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Red Bull Arena at 5:00 PM in their finale against the Chicago Fire on Fan Appreciation Night. New York currently boasts a one-point lead over of its East rival Sporting Kansas City (16-10-7, 55 pts.) in both the conference and shield standings. MLS Cup Playoff Tickets for Red Bulls home matches as well as tickets for the Chicago contest are on sale now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
New York went ahead after Cahill scored the fastest goal in MLS history. Off the kickoff, the ball was played back to Dax McCarty, who launched it towards the Australian. Cahill was able to control the feed with his chest and spectacularly ripped it with his right foot over goalkeeper Tally Hall and into the back of the net. The tally broke the record set by Dwayne De Rosario, who scored for the San Jose Earthquakes in 11 seconds against Dallas on Sept. 27, 2003.
Houston threatened New York’s defense following Cahill’s opener and its best chance of the opening half came in the 33rd minute. Brad Davis’ corner kick bounced around the box before Will Bruin was able to push the ball towards goal. However, Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles was there to make the save.
Playing for a possible postseason spot, the hosts continued their pressure and nearly got the equalizer in the 59th minute, as Boniek Garcia headed a Kofi Sarkodie cross just past the left post.
The Red Bulls doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. After a New York corner kick, McCarty chipped it towards the six yard box. Hall came off his line to punch it away and it came out to Peguy Luyindula, who knocked it back towards goal. Sekagya was there to head it in.
New York put the game to bed with 15 minutes to play. Houston’s Jermaine Taylor tried to clear the ball from his own penalty box but the ball caromed off Corey Ashe in front of goal, where Wright-Phillips was first to it and knocked it past Hall.
New York Red Bulls 3, Houston Dynamo 0
October 20, 2013 – BBVA Compass Stadium – Houston, TX
MLS Regular Season
Scoring Summary:
NY: Tim Cahill 11 (Dax McCarty 4) 1’
NY: Ibrahim Sekagya 1 (Peguy Luyindula 4) 65’
NY: Bradley Wright-Phillips 1 (unassisted) 75’
Disciplinary Summary:
NY: Thierry Henry (caution) 87’
New York Red Bulls (16-9-8, 56 points) – Luis Robles, Markus Holgersson, Jamison Olave, Ibrahim Sekagya, Brandon Barklage, Eric Alexander (Connor Lade 92’+), Dax McCarty, Tim Cahill (Bradley Wright-Phillips 62’), Jonny Steele (Lloyd Sam 80’), Peguy Luyindula, Thierry Henry
Substitutes Not Used: Ryan Meara, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Miazga, Andre Akpan
Houston Dynamo (13-11-9, 48 points) – Tally Hall, Kofi Sarkodie, Jermaine Taylor, Bobby Boswell, Corey Ashe, Oscar Boniek Garcia, Warren Creavalle (Omar Cummings 66’), Ricardo Clark, Brad Davis (Andrew Driver 84’), Giles Barnes, Will Bruin (Cam Weaver 84’)
Substitutes Not Used: Tyler Deric, Servando Carrasco, Eric Brunner, Alexander Lopez
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Referee’s Assistants: Paul Scott, Kevin Klinger
4th Referee: Ted Unkel
Attendance: 22,345
