RECAP: New York Smothers Hot Fire, 2-1
The New York Red Bulls stayed unbeaten at home on Saturday, taking down a red hot Chicago Fire FC squad, 2-1.
It came mostly thanks to a first-half performance against one of Major League Soccer’s hottest teams.
Still, head coach Sandro Schwarz’s mind lingered on last week’s loss in the postgame.
“I said last week, we deserve it; to lose this game New England. And today, for me, from my side, we deserve it, as well, to win this game, too.”
First Half
The first half started off boring as New York controlled possession. That didn’t lead to shots, but Chicago looked caught off at first. However, it turns out the Fire were being patient and waiting for their chance.
That came in the 37th minute, thanks to Jonathan Bamba. He scored a great opening goal past Carlos Coronel off an assist from Hugo Cuypers.
The lead lasted just seven minutes. The Red Bulls’ young midfielder, Omar Valencia, put a ball into the box that found forward Serge Ngoma for his first goal of the season. It was a great point-blank header that Chris Brady had no chance of stopping.
The equalizer put Chicago back on the defensive and gave New York a bit more vigor to close out the half.
“I really just saw the space open down the middle and saw Omar shrinking down the space on the left wing,” Ngoma said.
“I really just wanted to make sure that we had bodies in the box. I was fortunate enough to be in the position to put the ball in the back of the net.”
PHOTO: New York Red Bulls
That attack allowed for a moment late in the half where Dylan Nealis was brought down in the box. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting went to the spot and converted with a disrespectful Panenka.
This would turn out to be the winning goal.
Second Half
The second half was more about how New York played than what happened in the end. The score sheet will read that the home side held Chicago scoreless to get the three points.
But the Fire adjusted very well and used subs to their advantage. In total, they took ten shots in the final 45 minutes. The visitors held the ball more and showed a more dangerous posture.
In the final stretch, Coronel made multiple huge saves to keep the three points. It was yet another example of New York losing control of the game in the last stages.
Though Coach Sandro Schwarz noted after the game that Chicago has been undefeated on the road this year and will be tough.
“Second half, I would also say it was okay, first, 15, 20 minutes, and then we had chances to finish the game with a third goal with some chances which we had,” coach Schwarz said.
“At the end, it’s normal against a very good team with high quality, especially in their offensive line, then, that you go a little bit deeper. Deeper, that was then the main problem, especially the last half, the 15 minutes, but I would say in the end we deserve it.”
New York remains undefeated at Sports Illustrated Stadium in 2025.
The team sits at 3-2-2 overall and 3-0-1 at home.
Next week, there will be an Eastern Conference Final rematch against Orlando City SC in Florida.
PHOTO: New York Red Bulls
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