Lewis Morgan's first goal since 2022 was the game-winner for New York, as the Red Bulls topped Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 on Saturday night.
Morgan's goal helped Head Coach Sandro Schwarz win his first match at the helm of RBNY.
"A very important goal," Schwarz said after the match.
Elias Manoel scored late in the first half, heading home a cross from Dante Vanzeir, to draw even with the Dynamo.
"This is great," Schwarz said. "It feels good. After two away games, to have four points, that gives us confidence to get these results and to continue our process."
Manoel’s goal was his first of the season and his tenth across all competitions for New York. The goal was the Brazilian’s fourth in the last five matches, dating back to last season.
With Manoel scoring the first goal of the season for New York, he became the 29th different player in 29 seasons to score the club’s opening goal of the MLS regular season.
Houston opened the scoring in the 7th minute, when midfielder Ibrahim Aliyu found the back of the net after receiving a long ball from Coco Carrasquilla.
Morgan intercepted a cross-field pass from the Dynamo, dribbling to the top of the 18 before rocketing a shot to the back of the net.
Morgan’s goal was his first of the MLS season and his first since returning from injury.
The Scot’s goal was his first across all competitions since October 15, 2022, against FC Cincinnati in the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, it is his first MLS regular season goal since September 9, 2022, against New England Revolution.
The goal was Morgan’s second of his career against Houston.
The Red Bulls extended their regular season road unbeaten streak to six matches.
"Now we have to prepare for our first game in our stadium, for our supporters," Schwarz said. "This is very clear. We have to continue and we can be satisfied today, but we have to work hard in the next week. We are looking forward to playing now in our stadium, with our supporters."
New York will host FC Dallas for their 2024 home opener presented by OANDA on Saturday, March 9 at Red Bull Arena.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish and New York Red Bulls Radio in English, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.