So many firsts here, the first time NYB has played in South Florida in well over a decade, the first time facing Inter Miami, the first time facing ex-captain Luis Robles, the first game facing each other for the Nealis brothers of Massapequa.
As we were at the NYCFC game at RBA of all places, we were unable to see the game live, but did watch a re-broadcast yesterday. A massive thank you to Shep Messing for remarking on a question I put to Sean Nealis during a press event relative to who his family would be rooting for.
I tell you this, if they continue to play this way, the visitors should be just fine and the home team, in for a long season. NY now with 17 points earned their 2nd win away from the friendly confines of RBA, earning a current road record of 2-1-1. This win thrust them into a tie with NYCFC for 6th place in the conference, things may be treneding up for the Red Bulls as they are in the midst of a trio of games without a loss, 2-0-1, both wins coming on the road, a great sign.
Last year they tied the record for different goal getters on the team with 18, now they have 9 and we are not near the halfway point of this 2020 season, that is tremendous balance. Their first goal was also on their first PK of the season, tucked away by Mandela Egbo at 14' for his first MLS tally. Less than half an hour later, NYRB Academy product and with the first team for 3 years, Juan Agudelo went left on Jensen for the tie. Fantastic ball movement lead to the first goal of this campaign for Brian White, his 11th overall and 4th GWG as Fernandez first timed a ball from Valot and the 2-1 score. Another bang bang play had Ben Mines tuck away the Tom Barlow shot that was stopped by Robles, Mines went near post making it 3-1, as he opened his account on the year, he now has points in 4 of his 6 games. Royer made his one shot count as he came on as a sub closing out the scoring 4-1. All but Royer notched their first goals of the year in getting his 38th MLS goal and needs one more for 50 overall. Also getting points via assists were Casseres Jr., Fernandez & Valot.
The goal by White at 49' gave the team a 74-12-18 record since 2015 and the advent of their high press style of play, it works! Interim HC Carnell, now at 2-2-0, might he stay on for the balance of the year? Sept. has not been kind as the team is 45-48-20 with just 167 goals will giving up 179, Sunday facing Montreal and another team legend in Thierry Henry, coach of the Impact they hope to better both marks, see the game on MSG, listen in on New York Red Bulls radio in English y Espanol from 7 p.m. ET. Catch Video of the Red Bull goals on the Facebook of Soccer Long Island Magazine.