The first game of the Bradley Carnell-era ended the same way one of the last matches of Chris Armas’ run as New York Red Bulls coach did — with a loss to the Philadelphia Union.
Brenden Aaronson scored in the first half and helped set up Kacper Przybylko’s second-half tally to lift the Union to a 3-0 win Sunday at Red Bull Arena, their second victory over the Red Bulls in less than two weeks.
The opening goal was a thing of beauty with an open Aaronson settling an Alejandro Bedoya cross with his first touch and then blasting the ball in off the far post for his third goal of the season in the 36th minute.
The Red Bulls had a golden opportunity to equalize on the hour mark when Kaku hit Duncan with a perfect cross-field ball and the outside back played a first-time square ball in front of the goal. But Tom Barlow flubbed his chance, pushing his attempt wide from just outside the six-yard box.
They’d pay for the miss because eight minutes later Przybylko put the game away on a well-worked team goal. The Polish striker tapped in from the edge of the six after receiving a pass from Andrew Wooten, who cut back after receiving a penetrating pass from Bedoya. Passes from Aaronson and Ilsinho added to the goal.
Matt Real put the game away following a Red Bulls’ turnover in their defensive third, slotting a low shot inside the far post in the 78th minute.
Goals
- 36’ — PHI — Brenden Aaronson | WATCH
- 68’ — PHI — Kacper Przybylko | WATCH
- 78’ — PHI — Matt Real | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It was an important bounce back win for the Union after a loss to Columbus Crew SC by the same scoreline in the midweek. But the team’s depth at forward, thin already, might be even thinner with Sergio Santos leaving the match in the first half with an apparent hamstring injury. New coach, same story for the Red Bulls, who were punished for a moment of defensive deficiency and again struggled in the attacking third.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The goal that put the game away was poetry in motion. It’s further evidence of why the Union are so much fun to watch now.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Bedoya was special throughout. He assisted on goals by Aaronson and Przybylko, thoroughly enjoying another homecoming. Aaronson, who also calls the Garden State home, deserves a nod as well.
Next Up
- RBNY: Saturday, September 12 at D.C. United (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
- PHI: Saturday, September 12 vs. New England Revolution (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
