With Citi Field all decked in signage and advertising for the MLS Cup Finals and excitement and energy filling the air on a beautiful Saturday evening, it was the New York Red Bulls advancing to the Conference Finals by a 2-0 decision against NYCFC.
In one of the most physical matched played during the 2024 Season, it was the Red Bulls putting together all the pieces to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2018.
Even though the atmosphere and crowd on the side of the Boys in Blue, it was Felipe Carballo taking the wind from the sails of the support group with an opening goal at the 16′ assisted by Dante Vanzeir to get the goal scoring going.
Thus far Carballo is the hero of the franchise as the two goals score is tied for most in the history book and ranks tied for seventh for most goals scored in the playoffs during a players first season with the club.
NYCFC showing a ton of resilience and heart came so close to scoring, especially on an opportunity by Alonso Martinez.
With all the momentum and confidence on the side of the visiting team, the Red Bulls struck again on a goal by Vanzeir in the 25′.
For Dante the goal was the 11sst assist across all competitions and that is the most by a Red Bulls player since Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2018.
Fans are encouraged to view the following photo gallery from the match between NYCFC and Red Bulls….photos by 1495Sports
After an anticipation filled half, it was all a quest for New York City FC to see if they’d be able to somehow figure a way back into the match.
The team sent wave after wave of opportunities starting with a tremendous one by Martínez, followed by one that came oh so close by Keaton Parks.
One of the closest chances of the night came from the foot of Hannes Wolf, showing a ton of emotion and frustration before being subbed from the game for Andrés Perea.
Perea making an almost immediate impact played well, setting up some nice touches in the Red Bulls offensive side of the field, while also setting up his teammates for an opportunity to get into the match.
At the conclusion of the match though, it was the New York Red Bulls defense and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel getting the shutout and opportunity to advance to the Conference Finals, as he and the team joyfully celebrated in front of the Red Bulls Supporters.
The Support groups for both sides setting the stage for one of the best atmospheres seen in the Hudson River Derby to date, especially the incredible thing was seeing the Red Bulls supporters singing and chanting in the second level of Citi Field as the franchise was closing the victory through.
Another memorable moment was seeing the guys celebrating with the support group after the victory.
Coronel coming up huge for the Red Bulls making seven saves, the second highest single-match tally of the MLS Career and etching his name in franchise record books.
With the victory Coronel was able to surpass Tony Meola in second place in franchise history for goalkeeper wins across all competitions.
Another impressive stat compliment of the Red Bulls PR department is the fact that Coronel was able to record his seventh career shutout across all competitions.
For the Boys in Blue the night was one that was filled with all sorts of emotions as the guys gave all they had in the quest of winning the MLS Cup.
There is a ton to be proud of for anyone that is a supporter of the NYCFC franchise and there is a feeling that the future is bright for a roster that is filled with some incredible people.
As for the Red Bulls, filled with joy, triumph and enthusiasm, they continue the quest for the MLS Cup.
Now the anticipation starts to build in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs as the guys wait to see the opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals. The other part of the Eastern Conference Semis Features Orlando and Atlanta.
Either match is going to be one that is going to be must see.
When it comes time for going up against Orlando the Red Bulls have one tie and a victory played on June 2024.
As for playing against Atlanta, the guys have played them to a 2-2 tie in a match played in September and then later on in the year a 2-1 loss.
For now though the franchise as a whole gets to celebrate an emotion filled victory over their longtime rivals.
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New York City FC
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