The New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round, 4-0.
The No. 6 seed Red Bulls will take on No. 1 seed Toronto FC in a two-leg semifinals series, beginning with a home match at Red Bull Arena on either Monday October 30, or Tuesday, October 31.
The victory improved New York’s perfect Knockout Round record to 3-0-0 all time and propelled the Red Bulls into their eight consecutive semifinals appearance.
Bradley Wright-Phillips started proceedings early in the seventh minute after receiving a chipped through-ball from Damien Perrinelle. The Englishman failed to get a touch initially but, after a misplay by Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson, he was able to finish in an empty net. The goal was his eighth all-time in the MLS Cup Playoffs, moving him into a tie for tenth all-time.
Sacha Kljestan added a goal of his own just four minutes later after Tyler Adams was able to sneak a cross on the ground into the box.
Daniel Royer added a third in the second half to put the match away after a Dax McCarty turnover in the midfield. Gonzalo Veron provided the capper after Kljestan put him in 1v1 against Lampson. The Argentine chipped his shot over the onrushing 'keeper to put the Red Bulls up four.
Goals
7' - NY - Bradley Wright-Phillips
11' - NY - Sacha Kljestan
70' - NY - Daniel Royer
87' - NY - Gonzalo Veron
