Is it just me or does this award look like a hubcap from Pontiac? Anyways, the only hardware in MLS they have been able to get is theirs yet again, is this a harbinger of things to come, an MLS title? A missed PK ,a missed great chance but a converted chance getting the defender to go the wrong way big time then shot just below the GK gave Derrick Etienne Jr., the Haitian Sensation, the sole goal at 53' today in Red Bull Arena. Anything but a loss would have given them the Shield again as Long Islander William Manning had his charges, TFC beating Atlanta United, knocking them out of contention as well. Another bright note was that the injured but in the 18 dressed, Danny Royer got in just over 10 minutes. A bakers dozen shots were taken by the home team, but only 2 pair were on goal, this goal was needed as the offensive minded Bulls were charged with 14 offsides. On the defensive side, they were as ever very stout with but one of the 8 shots being on goal.
Kwik Kicks:
_ This 3rd Shield secured by Derrick's goal gave NY the 3rd one, following '13 & 15.
_ Chris Armas of Long Island and a member of the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame is now the 3rd NYRB coach to seal the shield in their first year at the helm.
- In this post shootout era, 2000, NYRB set the MLS season record in wins with 22.
- Red Bull Arenea was yet again a fortress as they achived their 200th home league victory and league best 43 points as host.
- Now on a 5 game winning streak NY is matched only by Seattle with this active run of wins.
- Luis Robles, the Captain is now alone in 9th all time for MLS shutouts with 63, this year's 14 comprise almost a quater of that total.
- Four of the last 5 games have seen NY not allow a goal, outscoring all comers 9-1. Unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 games again winning in goals 20-11.
- Winning pays dividends as the Bulls are out to pasture with a first round bye, entering in the semi final phase in the conference hosting the 2nd leg on Nov 11 v TBD opposition on Nov. 4.