CHESTER, Pa. (June 29, 2016) – Two second-half goals by Chris Pontius of the Philadelphia Union led the host Union to a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the Round of 16 of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
New York falls to 1-2-0 all-time against Philadelphia in U.S. Open Cup competitions. Last year, the Union knocked out the Red Bulls in the quarterfinals via penalty kicks at Red Bull Arena.
New York struck first in the 17th minute, thanks to Mike Grella. Sacha Kljestan swung in a free kick, which Philadelphia was unable to clear and Grella pounced on the deflection, smashing home his first goal of the 2016 Open Cup.
In the second half, Philadelphia took the lead, scoring two unanswered goals in a five-minute span from Pontius.
Goalkeeper Ryan Meara made his first start for the Red Bulls since October 22, 2014 in New York’s final CONCACAF Champions League against the Montreal Impact.
The Red Bulls return to MLS action with a second meeting this season against New York City FC. Kickoff at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, July 3 is set for noon, with coverage on ESPN and Red Bulls Radio on TuneIn.
