HOUSTON— On Matchday Two, the New York Red Bulls earned their first win of the regular season. They visited the Houston Dynamo, led by longtime D.C. United coach Ben Olsen. Despite an early conceded goal, Elias Manoel and Lewis Morgan each scored to give the visitors three points on the road at Shell Energy Stadium.
Manoel, Morgan Give Red Bulls Competent Win
Physical Confrontations
From the start, both sides showed they were ready for a battle. Red Bull midfielder, Peter Stroud, had to come off in the first half due to an apparent injury to his left arm following a collision. That was just the first of several clashes. A near-brawl in the second half sent Houston defender Griffin Dorsey flying during a scuffle with Lewis Morgan. New York midfielder Daniel Edelman powered through an incidental stomp on his hand as well. Replacement referee Lorenzo Hernandez handed down a total of six yellow cards in an effort to keep the peace.
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Woodwork Saves
With twenty-five total shots on the night, the match could have been a slugfest. However, the netting was harder to find than the frame. Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark and RBNY ‘keeper Carlos Coronel combined for seven saves, but the goal itself did a fine job of keeping the ball out, with at least one notable hit to the woodwork for each team.
Man of The Match: The woodwork
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Red Bull Goals
Conceding a goal within the first ten minutes–Ibrahim Aliyu opened the scoring in the seventh-minute–meant New York had to fight back. Injuries and a overall lack of depth have led to a stretched and faltering defense.
A different player has scored the first goal of the season for the Red Bulls in each year of their existence. So it was again this season. Brazilian International, Elias Manoel’s header redirected Dante Vanzeir’s cross into the net to level the match. Morgan claimed a ball from Houston to score a banger from the edge of the box. His first goal following an injury-riddled season, the Scottish striker was happy to open his account again: “I’ve been out for over a year and, obviously played some minutes last year, but I kept re-injuring myself. It’s always good to start the season off well. I think we’ve done that,” he told the press after the match.
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Last Word on Red Bull Win
While the Red Bulls are pleased to earn their first win of the regular season, there is little time and space to celebrate. A come-from-behind win shows grit and unity. The team has to take this momentum back to Harrison for the home opener. Captain Emil Forsberg, who shined in preseason and brings valuable European experience, would do well to dazzle the home crowd in the next match. The Red Bulls were competent in this victory, but the fans are ready for much more.
The New York Red Bulls will welcome FC Dallas for their first match of the 2024 campaign at Red Bull Arena.
Photo Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports, of a Elias Manoel Headshot, on March 2, 2024.
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