ANALYSIS: Despite building the team back to nearly full strength, second half errors cost the Red Bulls the game. Here are three takeaways as New York falls to Orlando City at Red Bull Arena before the team takes a break.
New York Vs Orlando City: Three Takeaways
Grab It And Go
Red Bull fans may have noticed possession numbers creeping up this season. Forcing the turnover is still a part of their game, but it was usually just a way to break up play. New York got figured out way too often doing that. Throughout the first half, players like John Tolkin and Christian Casseres picked Orlando’s pockets with greater purpose. Not afraid to make mistakes, Luquinhas and Tom Barlow charged up the field. Cory Burke consistently made space for his teammates. But the net eluded them time and again.
Better Shake This
The Red Bulls have to get on the front foot as soon as possible, and that includes striking first. If they are forced the chase the game, the best they have been able to do is salvage a point late in the match. Pulling out a last-minute leveler isn’t going to cut it in the long run, as this writer has mentioned before. When Orlando attacking midfielder Ivan Angulo put his team on the scoresheet, New York found themselves in an all too familiar situation. Going into halftime with a deficit, the team needed to get their heads in the game.
It’s Not The Time Or Place
A sending off– Andres Reyes, minute 47– quickly took the game from bad to worse for New York. Mere moments later, the Video Assisted Referee indicated a possible foul, which lead head referee Victor Rivas to point to the spot for Orlando. Facundo Torres converted to double the lead for the visitors. From then on, fouls piled up as the home squad let frustration get the better of them. Angulo bagged himself a brace before getting subbed out. A late injury for substitute Lewis Morgan brought New York down to nine men just before the start of injury time. Falling 0-3, the Red Bulls could use some time to regroup. They will host a pair of Southern teams after a two-week break: Charlotte FC on June 21st, and Atlanta United on June 24th.
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