(photo by Matt Kremkau)
The last time these to long-time rivals faced off at Red Bull Arena ten days ago, the Red Bulls suffered a 1-0 loss deep into stoppage time. Sorga scored the lone goal that ended the coaching career of Chris Armas. With Bradley Carnell now at the helm on an interim basis, winning the match was essential to soothe the frustrated fanbase's jangled nerves.
The match began just like the first as both teams exhibited sloppy, disjointed play on the attack. Things would begin to open up later in the first half, despite the Red Bulls not registering a single shot on goal.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls' scoring drought had reached 263 minutes before tonight's kickoff. Supporters and pundits were wondering where the goals would come from. Even more importantly, some have openly questioned if the Red Bulls were ever going to on the scoreboard again.
Wonder no more. In the 29th minute, off a free-kick, Kaku drilled a magnificent ball in the box, which met the head of defender Aaron Long, who blasted it in the back in the net. And with that, the scoring drought was emphatically over.
The Red Bulls needed a goal to cement their 4th victory of the season, and in the 60th minute, they got just that. Jason Pendant takes the ball, screams down the sideline, launches a beautiful cross that found the left foot of midfielder Danel Royer, who volleys the shot into the back of the net to give them a 2-0 lead.
Just as that goal was necessary to give the Red Bulls the lead, defending was equally important. Ryan Meara made not one, not two, but three key saves to keep D.C. United off the board before he was subbed out in the 62' minute due to a thigh muscle injury.
Final Thoughts:
It wasn't pretty, and at times it was a bit on the chaotic side, but ultimately this was the result that everyone could feel good about. Goal droughts are nothing to be proud of, and losing your head coach was a price to pay for underperformance, but to get two goals past your bitter rivals at their home ground goes a long way to boost your team's overall confidence ahead to your next match.
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