The New York Red Bulls earned a decisive 2-1 victory over New York City FC in the first edition of the New York Derby on Sunday evening at Red Bull Arena. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored twice, and the Red Bulls were able to hold off NYC FC despite being reduced to 10 men early in the contest.
The Red Bulls opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Lloyd Sam took possession down the left side of the penalty area, beat defender RJ Allen and put in a short cross to a wide open Bradley Wright-Phillips. The English striker had no trouble putting his first touch into the back of the net for his fourth of the season.
The visitors seemed to even the score in the 20th minute, when a Pablo Alvarez free kick from 25 yards out was put in at the back post, but the goal was brought back on an offside call.
The Red Bulls were reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute, when Matt Miazga was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on NYC FC forward Khiry Shelton. Shortly after, New York subbed on center back Karl Ouimette for right winger Mike Grella.
The home side had a chance to add to the lead in first half stoppage time, when Wright-Phillips and midfielder Felipe both got in behind the back line, but Saunders was able to get in the way of Wright-Phillips first touch.
The Red Bulls broke through for a second in the 52nd minute. Sam received the ball on the counter and crossed wide for midfielder Sacha Kljestan. Kljestan attacked the endline and slotted a pass through to Wright-Phillips, who, again on the first touch, was able to slide the ball under Saunders.
The visitors pulled one back in the 76th minute when a low cross from Allen was buried by second-half substitute Patrick Mullins.
Lloyd Sam had a strong chance of his own early in the second half. The Englishman got behind the defense and was able to touch the ball around Josh Saunders, but the defense was able to head the ball away from the open net.
Chris Duvall had a chance on the counter attack in stoppage time, but his shot was put into the body of Saunders.
