2017 US Open Cup Round 4: New York Red Bulls keep NYCFC winless in Open Cup play

For the first time in US Open Cup play, the New York Red Bulls took on their rivals from across the Hudson River, and earned a 1-0 victory over New York City FC. Both sets of fans brought their passion to Red Bull Arena to help push their team to the next round.

For the first couple of minutes the Red Bulls looked like they were controlling the match, but their lack of speed up front made it easier for NYCFC to avoid any real danger. While it seemed the Red Bulls were in control, NYCFC were definitely more dangerous in front of goal. In the 16th minute, NYCFC’s Tommy McNamara shot a ball that hit the crossbar twice without going in goal. Later in the half, the post proved to be Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara’s best friend on this night when David Villa’s shot went past Meara hitting the post. Minutes before half-time, Bradley Wright-Philips had a clear chance to score his first Open Cup goal when he was in front of goal, but NYCFC keeper Sean Johnson was there to make the save.

While NYCFC looked more dangerous in the first half, the New York Red Bulls completely dominated the second half. The Red Bulls continuously pressed forward threatening to score, while NYCFC looked lost after losing midfielder Maximiliano Moralez at the half.

Finally, the deadlock was broken in the 67th minute when substitute Daniel Royer put the Red Bulls up 1-0. He scored after Sean Johnson was able to save an attempt from Bradley Wright-Phillips, which then Royer capitalized with a beautiful volley to the delight of the home crowd. After going up 1-0, the Red Bulls continued to dominate possession. NYCFC was clearly looking to take advantage of a counter attack to try to tie the game, but David Villa wasn’t getting the necessary support to do so.

With 1-0 victory, the New York Red Bulls continue to dominate the Hudson River Derby with their sixth victory in seven matches against their rivals from across the river. When Chris Armas, who took over as head coach for this game for the suspended Jesse Marsch, was asked what this new role meant to him, he stated “I didn’t look at it as this big opportunity, I quickly noted it’s not about me it’s about the guys tonight.”

“It’s a great feeling to score against our city rival New York City,” Royer said. “When I signed here last year in August, this was definitely one of those games I was looking forward to the most.”

CLEAN UP CREW!

Royer bangs one home!#NYvNYC | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/Qq9nnBdPeB

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 15, 2017