The New York Red Bulls snapped a three-match losing streak and secured three massive points, defeating the Portland Timbers, 2-0, at Providence Park Wednesday night.
Playing with intensity and desperation from the opening whistle, the Red Bulls were rewarded with the game’s opening goal just three minutes after kickoff.
Making his first appearance since four consecutive starts from June 8 to July 7, Kyle Duncan struck for his first MLS goal as the fullback ran onto a Josh Sims cross and hammering it past Steve Clark first time.
Duncan then helped set up an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time from the penalty spot by Danny Royer. The fullback intercepted a ball in the defensive third and would then send a ball to Marc Rzatkowski at the edge of the 18-yard box. The German midfielder took a touch into the box where he was fouled by Jorge Moreira.
Moments after Duncan's goal, the Red Bulls nearly made it 2-0 when Clark parried Sims’ shot into the path of Rzatkowski, whose shot was blocked and Tom Barlow’s followup attempt was cleared off the line by Bill Tuiloma.
The Timbers had a golden chance at a 19th minute equalizer, when Diego Valeri fed an open Diego Chara, but the defensive midfielder put his open attempt over Luis Robles and off the crossbar.
Jeremy Ebobisse had two chances to level after the break, but headed directly into Robles off a corner kick and then slipped an open shot wide of the net after latching onto a Sebastian Blanco long ball in the 82nd minute.
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Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The Red Bulls were reeling, but Chris Armas rolled the dice and gave Duncan and Barlow rare starts and it was a masterclass for the embattled coach. They are on the precipice of the playoffs and moved within a point of Toronto FC and D.C. United. The Timbers, meanwhile, were shut out for a second straight game at Providence Park and slipped below the playoff line with four games to play.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: On Sunday, the Timbers hit the woodwork twice. Fast forward and they remained the gang that couldn’t shoot straight. This late miss by Ebobisse was especially shocking.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Duncan was brilliant. He not only scored his first MLS goal to set the tone, but he also made a key interception late and played the ball to Rzatkowski that resulted in Royer’s insurance PK. Sims also deserves a shout for his best game in a Red Bulls uniform to date.
Next Up
- POR: Sunday, September 22 vs. Minnesota United FC (3:55 pm ET ESPN, TSN2)
- RBNY: Sunday, September 22 vs. Philadelphia Union (6:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
