After an intense 90 minutes rife with fouls, strong tackles and a handful of yellow cards, the New York Red Bulls prevailed over the Philadelphia Union 1-0 on the league's penultimate weekend, keeping New York right on the heels of Atlanta United for the Supporters' Shield heading into Decision Day.
The Red Bulls' win against the Union is their 20th of the season, breaking Toronto FC's record of 19 from 2017. Atlanta also earned their 20th win, as their game ran concurrent with New York's. ATL hold a one-point lead in the Shield race.
The first half was intense, though yielded no goals. Kaku hit the post and the Union had a few decent chances, though the lasting highlight of the first 45 was a fracas sparked between Kaku and Auston Trusty just before the first half ended, resulting in a mass confrontation. It was reviewed during the break and the referees deemed nothing was card-worthy.
New York broke the deadlock with Philly in the 69th minute, courtesy a Kaku penalty. After a review, VAR ruled that Haris Medunjanin was guilty of a handball on a Red Bulls' corner kick. With regular dead ball taker Daniel Royer not on the field, Kaku stepped up and buried his penalty into the bottom corner, giving the Red Bulls the lead in the 69th minute.
It was all Luis Robles and the league's stingiest defense would need.
Goals
- 69' – RBNY – Kaku (PK)
Next Up
- Sunday, October 28 vs Orlando City SC (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
