Recap: Gutman's birthday goal lifts RBNY over Cincinnati

photo by Matt Kremkau

In a match that the New York Red Bulls had to have to keep their fading season alive, Andrew Gutman's goal gave the New York Red Bulls the much-needed lift to keep their playoff chances alive, stretching their unbeaten streak to five matches, moving them within five points of the final playoff position of the Eastern Conference.

The Red Bulls spent the first 45 minutes buzzing around the pitch, with the lion's share of the ball in possession, but could not get past FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Premlazaw Tyton, who made three brilliant saves to keep his team in the match, as the first half ended in a stalemate for both sides. 

The second half started with FC Cincinnati sustaining their bit of pressure and possession, making dangerous runs and shots on goal. However, just like in the first half, neither team's attackers would be able to get on the scoresheet. At least midfielder Sean Davis' stellar play made certain of that, blocking key shots including one that 

FC Cincinnati nearly had a chance to catch New York defense napping in the 65th minute, as forward Brenner played a dangerous through ball from midfield, but the final pass was too far for winger Álvaro Barraral to catch up to it, but the play was eventually whistled dead as Ronald Matarrita was caught offside, much to the relief of the Red Bulls' defenders.

The Red Bulls finally broke through in the 73rd minute, as midfielder Cristian Casseres delivered a terrific pass over to defender Andrew Gutman, celebrating his 25th birthday on the evening on a break, and scored the badly needed goal to possibly keep his team's playoff aspirations alive. 

Alvaro Barreal tried to capitalize on a rare mistake between Sean Davis and Andres Reyes in the 89th minute, but as he went for goal, his left-footed shot was easily saved by Carlos Coronel, effectively killing the crucial attack. One goal was all that was needed for the Red Bulls to capture their * victory of the season, and their fifth one on the road before returning home for some much-needed rest after playing seven matches in twenty-one days before facing Inter Miami next Saturday

Starting XI:

FC Cincinnati: Przemyslaw Tyton, Tyler Blackett, Geoff Cameron, Nick Hagglund, Ronald Matarrita; Haris Medunjanin (Kamohelo Mokotjo, 76’), Yuya Kubo (Quimi Ordonez, 76’), Luciano Acosta, Caleb Stanko (Calvin Harris, 86’), Brenner, Isaac Atanga (Alvaro Barreal, 61’)

New York Red Bulls: Carlos Coronel, Andrew Gutman, Sean Nealis, Andrés Reyes, Thomas Edwards (John Tolkin, HT), Sean Davis, Cristian Cásseres, Jr., Frankie Amaya (Daniel Royer, HT), Wiki Carmona (Caden Clark, HT), Omir Fernandez (Dru Yearwood, 60’), Patryk Klimala (Tom Barlow, 78’)

Scoring Summary:

73' (New York Red Bulls) Andrew Gutman, assisted by Cristian Casseres Jr

Disciplinary Summary:

52' (New York Red Bulls) Andrés Reyes - Yellow card

90+1' (FC Cincinnati) Ronald Matarrita - Yellow card

90+3' (FC Cincinnati) Luciano Acosta - Yellow card