Last weekend Major League Soccer witnessed the American version of the "EL Classico” derby as both New York Red Bulls and New York City Fc slogged it out at Red Bulls' home Arena. The match had goal scoring chances being wasted, physical play and confrontations aplenty. Patrick Vieira's side solidly held RBNY to a 1-1 draw. NYCFC Maximiliano Morález (56') and Red Bulls substitute Gonzalo Verón (70') were the goalscorers. With this stalemate, RBNY are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, while New York City FC are second with forty-seven points.
Here's a quick look at the match report between the both teams:
ere's a quick look at the match report between the both teams:
New York Red Bulls outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Luis Robles (6 points). Defenders - Kemar Lawrence (6), Fidel Escobar (6), Aaron Long (5), Felipe (six points). Midfielder - Michael Murillo (7), Tyler Adams (6), Sacha Kljestan (8 points), Sean Davis (6). Forward - Bradley Wright-Phillips (7 points), Alex Muyl (6)
Team's strengths and weaknesses: RBNY stole the ball often from NYCFC and created several chances in front of goal. The home team were effective at setting up goal scoring chances from set pieces, they were more effective setting up goal chances from long shot situations and created goal opportunities from through balls.
The only weakness they had is their inability to convert goalscoring chances.
Team style of play in the match: the host had a large quantity of ball possession in NYCFC's half and dominated well. They favored through balls, short passes and often attack through the left side.
New York City FC outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Sean Johnson (6).
Defenders - Ethan White (6), Frederic Brillant (7), Alexander Callens (7 points), Ben Sweat (6 points). Midfielder - Rodney Wallace (7), Alexander Ring (7), Mikey Lopez (6 points). Forward - Jack Harrison (6), David Villa (7), Maximiliano Morález (7 points).
Team's strength and weaknesses: NYCFC stole the ball often from Red Bulls, and they were effective at setting up goal scoring chances from the flanks.
The visitors gave away a lot of free kicks around the penalty box.
Team style of play in the match: NYCFC favored long thrusts and often attacked through the middle.
Man of the match
Red Bulls attacking midfielder Sacha Kljestan was the man of the match. Kljestan made eight successful key passes and won three aerial ball contests. He completed a total of 113 touches in the encounter.
What's next for the both teams
New York Red Bulls will hit the road to face FC Dallas on Saturday 2 September, while New York City FC welcomes Sporting Kansas City at the Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, September 6.
