The New York Red Bulls picked up a crucial second win of the season after turning things around against Orlando City SC. It was a dominant performance from the hosts, having a dominant 57 percent possession and significantly out-shooting their opposition, 25 to 11. Despite this performance, Marsch’s side went into halftime a goal down after Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the early minutes of the game.
Mike Grella brought the sides back level with a well-worked 64th minute goal and a quick brace from Bradley Wright-Phillips not long after brought about a deserved victory for Marsch’s team. In this article, I’ll be breaking down BWP's second goal of the match, the eventual game-winner.
The development of the third goal shared clear parallels with the equalizer.
After a Red Bulls’ attack broke down, Orlando was met with a strong counter-press from the opposition and Marsch’s team were able to regain control of the ball. After initially stopping New York’s attack, Orlando looked to move forward to start an attack of their own. However, after conceding possession to the home side, they again found themselves out of position.
The driving factor in the counter-press of the Red Bulls was their compact midfield, as in both of the decisive tackles they clearly outnumbered their Orlando counterparts. Not only did this mean that the challenger had cover from his teammates, but any loose balls were more likely to be intercepted by a player in red and white.
Upon winning the ball back, the Red Bulls now have great spaces to move into as they initiate a quick attack of their own against an exposed defense. The midfield is quick to shift the ball towards the right wing, where Lloyd Sam is stretching the defense and moving into space wider.
The winger receives a through ball from Kljestan and puts in a first-time low cross, which meets Wright-Phillips perfectly. The nearest Orlando center back is caught ball watching again as the forward intelligently moves between the two defenders unmarked.
After establishing the 3-1 lead, the Red Bulls managed the game well with strong control. Even after the away side pulled one back, the side maintained their composure and could’ve added to their three goals.
It was a well-deserved three points for the New York Red Bulls, even if it took a second half comeback to get them. They dominated large portions of the match and with 25 shots to 11, were the deserving winners of this matchup.
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