Following the New York Red Bulls 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night, here are 7 Things We Learned:
Possible Possession
The Red Bulls dominated possession in the first half, despite the 1-0 deficit at the break. New York had a 72.5 percent to 27.5 percent possession advantage during the first 45 minutes of play.
"It felt like we had a ton of possession, that we were really pushing them back, and the ideas were clear, the chances we were cutting out were pretty good chances," Captain Sacha Kljestan said following the game.
The second half was more level, with New England having a slight edge of 50.3 percent possession during the second 45.
Kemar, The 'Kreator'
Kemar Lawrence factored in both New York goals, officially getting credit for the second one, which Daniel Royer booted home from inside the six. Lawrence also drove the ball toward the Revolution keeper, who mishandled it, allowing Bradley Wright-Phillips to backheel it for New York's equalizer.
Lawrence has now tallied three assists on the season, and in his career has nine points. Seven of those nine have been game-winning points.
"I think for the last six weeks, Kemar has been easily our best player," Bradley Wight-Phillips said after the game. "I mean, even when we lose, the guy is the best."
Seventy-Five For BWP
Wright-Phillips' backheel goal was No. 75 in his MLS career.
"What a goal. I mean, Brad is incredible, man. He can score goals in so many different ways," Marsch said during his postgame press conference. "Obviously a big mistake on their end. But the fact that Brad was there to capitalize on it, how clever and quick he was to make that kind of play."
It was BWP's sixth of the season, the last four of which have come at Red Bull Arena.
Royer's Run
Daniel Royer's game-winning goal, putting New York up 2-1, was his fourth of the season.
He's scored two in the last three matches and it was his second game-winning goal. And he might just be getting started.
"Danny's fit in here so well," Marsch said. "He loves being here. He fits in with our mentality. He commits to it all the way. I think he's only going to get better, too."
Marsch Nearing No. 1
Speaking of the head coach, Marsch is nearing the No. 1 spot for New York Red Bulls head coaches. Saturday's win was win No. 40 for the gaffer.
Marsch moves within one win of franchise leaders Hans Backe (41) and Octavio Zambrano (41) for the most career regular-season wins with the Red Bulls.
Kljestan 'Klosing' In
Another record in danger is Sacha Kljestan threatening club legend Theirry Henry's assist record.
Kljestan did not make it on the scoresheet on Saturday night, but is just two assists behind Henry for the club assist lead (40 to 42).
Davis' Dividends
"The upside for Sean is so big," Marsch said after the game.
Davis re-entered the starting lineup on Saturday and played the full 90.
"Really happy to see him play so well tonight," Marsch said. "He was a big factor in taking care of the middle of the field. Helped set up some really good attacking plays."
