photo by Matt Kremkau |
by Anthony J. Merced
New York Red Bulls II start their new journey in MLS Next Pro with a disappointing shootout loss to Columbus Crew 2 at MSU Soccer Park on Sunday night. A late equalizer in stoppage forced a shootout which was one after several misses by both teams.
New York used their typical press to push Columbus around early. The game's only goal came in the 7th minute when a turnover saw Carmona with the ball at the top of the box. He took his shot just outside the box and scoring past the Columbus keeper. From there New York continued to press but saw Columbus gain a foothold in the game.
The second half was much more back-and-forth with both sides having chances at goal. New York hit the post and over-passed the ball in front of goal. Columbus ran into the physicality of the Red Bulls but were able to create mismatches at times that they couldn't capitalize on. It wasn't until stoppage time that Abdi Mohamed headed a ball past the Red Bulls keeper to force the team's first shootout.
As per the rules in MLS Next Pro, games ending a tie after 90 minutes will go to an immediate shootout. There were several keep misses, including one from Peter Stroud. The new wrinkle still sees New York take a point from the game but sees Columbus steal a second and leave them wondering what could have been.
Overall New York will feel like they deserved more given their play. First team players like Dru Yearwood saw significant minutes while also keeping to the goal of winning professional games. However, the late strike, combined with untimely penalty-taking leaves New York as the losers in their first MLS Next Pro game.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls II: Marcucci; Mullinas, Nocita, Ndam, Reid (59' Valencia), Stroud, Yearwood (46' Ruiz), Carmona (90' Gorday), Shapiro-Thompson, Ofori (80' Sullivan), Thomas (80' Ssebufu)
Columbus Crew 2: Scott; Mohamed, Erlandson (80' Nero), Rodgers, Knight (76' Mbumba), De Libera (76' Wolf), Holstad, Ritchie (46' Fusion), Micaletto (81' Habroune), Gannon (76' Mrowka), Ravo
Comments
Post a Comment