The new look New York Red Bulls, sans BWP & Robles had the twice injured Florian Valot and new GK David Jensen provide what they needed, for Jensen, the extra time had him put in some extra work with a pair of very late, points preserving saves. It was quite a while they held that one goal lead as Flo Valo hit at 4' off a long assist from Kaku. It would have been a long time to do so but kudos to coach Armas in not parking the bus and keep getting at it on the offensive end. The frentic pace at the start of the game had Atlanta struggling for answers for the first 15 minutes or so. The Long Islanders were used sparingly by the Long Islander HC as fellow SJU soccer alum out of Hicksville, Tim Parker had 10' and Sean Nealis of 'Pequa got the dreaded DNP.
Fast Facts:
- RBNY top group E with 3 points and a +1 GD.
- On the year they remain unbeaten at 2-0-1.
- Though they dropped the big one in the playoffs, ATL UTD went on to win an MLS CUP, they have yet to concede with a 5-0-2 record in the short history of Atlanta over the regular season.
- Jensen gained his first shutout with 4 saves.
- Valot is now the 5th to net this year, each goal from a different player on the year.
- Jason Pendant, a new signee from France had his first MLS play with a start at left back.
- Jason Stroud of NJ had his MLS premiere at 70'.
- Chris Lema also of NJ dressed, he was signed from NYRB II.
- Mandela Egbo newly acquired from SV Darmstadt 98 also dressed.
- The hi press has been meet with hi success. NYRB installed that system in 2015,they are now 71-12-16 when striking first.
- Red Bulls have had the first goal in each of the 3 games and have yet to surrender one in the first half, the goal by Valot was the first one scored in the first half of the tourney, since then games have seen multiple.
- Armas with record of 28-17-9 will when they win another pair of games enter the top 5 in wins for the team. Yes, it is a low number and a rapid rise, they have had many men at the helm.
- July has not been a bad month for the club with their 52-43-23 record and 192 goals for and 180 against.
- Next up, the Crew July 16 @ 10:30 p.m. ET on FS1, Fox Deportes, TUDN, & Red Bulls Radio. Let us know of any interest in doing a Zoom viewing party.
QUOTES:
HC Armas: "I'm really proud of our boys. Atlanta is one of the benchmarks in the league. They really went after the game. I'm really proud of them. It's a great, great victory to start the tournament for our guys. Omir Fernandez can stretch the team and he can also hold onto the ball. We knew we would be aggressive with our substitutions. Flo & Kaku both, they really understand how to operate in the red zone. These guys can get on the same page pretty quickly. It's really special moments for Flo.
On the mid-game interview by FOX: "I said yes because I think for the viewership, makes it even more interesting. To be fair I just wanted to try to give the truth to anyone watching what we're feeling and what we're thinking so I understand it, and anything we can do to help grow our sport in our country to make it more exciting and interesting to gain even more soccer fans.
Valot on his first goal in a while:
"I think it's difficult on everbody. It was important to score early and reward the team. Obviously it's really rewarding for myself after what I've been through for the last 2 years but it's full credit for the team and I'm really happy we get the win today."