The New York Red Bulls extended their winning streak to eight games by beating Vancouver Whitecaps at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, according to ESPN FC. RBNY used goals from Daniel Royer (33'), Bradley Wright-Philips (58') and Felipe (72') to earn a victory at home and ultimately secured their 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs spot in the process. Despite losing the match, Vancouver Whitecaps remain leaders of the Western Conference. Red Bulls is sixth with forty-six points in the Eastern Conference. Here's an analysis of the match.
RBNY outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Luis Robles (7.23).
Defender - Damien Perrinelle (6.92), Kemar Lawrence (8.48), Aaron Long (7.43), Tyler Adams (7.80), Connor Lade (7.50). Midfielder - Daniel Royer (7.76), Felipe (8.31), Sean Davis (7.11), Sacha Kljestan (8.58). Forward - Bradley Wright-Phillips (eight points). Used substitutes - Gonzalo Verón (6.18), Vincent Bezecourt (6.21), Alex Muyl (6.45).
Team's strength and weakness: Jesse Marsch's side often stole the ball from Vancouver players, and they went on to create goal scoring chances through individual efforts and long shot situations. In addition, they were good at scoring. Moreover, they were often caught offside and committed several individual stumbles especially in the defense.
Style of play: RBNY held more possession in Vancouver's half, attacked through the center midfield and favored short passes.
Vancouver Whitecaps outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - David Ousted (6.48). Defender - Jakob Nerwinski (6.57), Aaron Maund (6.32), Tim Parker (six points), Jordan Harvey (5.52). Midfielder - Marcel de Jong (6.46), Aly Ghazal (6.67), Alphonso Davies (5.78), Tony Tchani (6.80), Fredy Montero (5.79).
Forward - Erik Hurtado (5.58). Used substitutes - Bernie Ibini-Isei (5.88), Brek Shea (6.17), Nicolás Mezquida (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Vancouver Whitecaps often stole the ball from Red Bulls players too but weak at finishing. Furthermore, they lost possession and gave away lots of free-kicks within their half.
Style of play: Carl Robinson's men played with width, attacked through the right wing and favored long balls.
Man of the Match
Sacha Kljestan did well for Red Bulls. He was instrumental in Red Bulls' triumph. Kljestan provided two assists and completed ninety-three touches.
Both teams' upcoming matches
New York Red Bulls will lock horns with Atlanta United on Monday, October 16. The same day, Vancouver Whitecaps welcomes San Jose Earthquakes.
