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New York Red Bulls defeat New York City in MLS derby

By Lee Kilby

Jun 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) scores a goal past New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The New York Red Bulls defeated the New York City FC 3 - 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) scores a goal past New York City FC goalkeeper Josh Saunders (12) during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The New York Red Bulls defeated the New York City FC 3 - 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Red Bulls scored three second-half goals as they beat derby rivals New York City FC 3-1 in Major League Soccer.

The two teams’ highly anticipated first meeting at the famous Yankee Stadium, home to New York City, was made even more special by the attendance of Frank Lampard and New York City’s next potential signing, Andrea Pirlo.

Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale was also one of the 48,000 spectators as the Red Bulls scored three times in a league game for the first time this season.

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In front of a charged home crowd, New York City had the better of play early, and earned a reward for their work in the sixth minute. Thomas McNamara chested down a nodded Andrew Jacobson pass and fired a right-footed shot past Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles.

New York City had the lead at the break, but it took the Red Bulls just seven minutes to level the game in the second half. Bradley Wright-Phillips evened the score in the 47th minute, collecting a Sacha Kljestan cross in the middle of the box and left-footing into the top right corner of Josh Saunders’ net.

Just five minutes later, Chris Duvall put the Red Bulls in front with a precise finish into the roof of the net from an Anatole Bertrand Abang pass. Matt Miazga then sealed the game 17 minutes from time, ending New York City’s hopes of a four-game winning streak.

With the former England international, Frank Lampard and Champions League finalist Andrea Pirlo both watching on, there was a lot for the New York City faithful to look forward to.

Jun 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) celebrates with teammates after New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga (20) scored a goal against the New York City FC during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The New York Red Bulls defeated the New York City FC 3 – 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) celebrates with teammates after New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga (20) scored a goal against the New York City FC during the second half of a soccer game at Yankee Stadium. The New York Red Bulls defeated the New York City FC 3 – 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

However, their performance on the pitch brutally illustrated the job coach Jason Kreis has on his hands. Designated players in MLS are rarely top-class defenders, but at the moment, that’s exactly what City need. It great to have players like Lampard and Pirlo dictating play in midfield, but the defence won’t be able to rely on them bailing them out of jail when the opposition attacks. Whether a new-look midfield duo with a combined age of 73 is the answer remains to be seen.

New York City’s wage bill will move towards the $20million mark as a result ensuring it’s one of the biggest in MLS history. The Abu Dhabi owners are throwing stars into the mix to get interest soaring.

The Red Bulls, however, are going down a different route. Designated players Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill weren’t replaced following their exits last year. Coach Jesse Marsch wants a functional team of hard workers and judging by this performance, that’s exactly what he has got.

This was New York Red Bulls second win over New York City this season after their victory in May’s inaugural derby. The win moved the Red Bulls fourth in the Eastern Conference, with City ninth.

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