houston— In Game 2, the New York Red Bulls achieved their first win of the regular season. They visited the Houston Dynamo, led by longtime D.C. United coach Ben Olsen. Despite conceding an early goal, Elias Manoel and Lewis Morgan each scored to give the visitors three points at the Shell Energy Stadium.
Manoel and Morgan give Red Bull a competent victory
physical confrontation
From the beginning, both sides showed they were ready for a fight. Red Bull midfielder Peter Stroud was forced off in the first half due to a left arm injury sustained in a collision. It was only the first of several conflicts. During a near scuffle in the second half, Houston defender Griffin Dorsey went flying during a scuffle with Lewis Morgan. New York midfielder Daniel Edelman also held his own despite having his hand accidentally stepped on. Substitute referee Lorenzo Hernandez handed down a total of six yellow cards to keep the peace.
Details from MLS: Red Bulls victory highlights
Preservation of woodwork
With a total of 25 shots on the night, the game could have been a slugging affair. However, the net was more difficult to find than the frame. Houston goaltender Steve Clark and RBNY goalie Carlos Coronel combined for seven saves, but the goal itself did a great job of stopping the ball, with each team having at least one shot into the crates. It was a notable hit.
Man of the Match: Woodwork
— LB (@LBBeaumont) June 9, 2018
red bull goals
Conceding a goal within the first 10 minutes, New York was forced to fight back as Ibrahim Aliyu opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Injuries and a lack of overall depth have left the defense sluggish and inconsistent.
Every year since the Red Bulls' existence, a different player has scored the first goal of the season. So this season was the same. Brazil international Elias Manoel's header deflected Dante Vanzeil's cross and into the net, tying the game. Morgan stole the ball from Houston and scored a banger from the edge of the box. The Scottish striker, who scored his first goal after an injury-hit season, was delighted to open his own account again. It's always good to start the season well. I think we accomplished that,” he told reporters after the game.
read more: Chicago Fire takes on FC Cincinnati
Final words on Red Bull victory
The Red Bulls are celebrating their first win of the regular season, but they have little time or space to celebrate. A come-from-behind victory shows grit and unity. The team will need to get that momentum back in Harrison for the home opener. Captain Emil Forsberg, who has shone in pre-season and brings valuable European experience, should dazzle the home crowd in the next game. The Red Bulls were competent in this win, but fans are ready to expect more.
The New York Red Bulls will host FC Dallas in the first game of the 2024 season at Red Bull Arena.
Photo by Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports, Elias Manoel headshot, March 2, 2024.
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