NYCFC – 2
New York Red Bulls – 0
Match recap …
Jack Harrison scored his second professional goal and set up David Villa for his MLS-leading 12th goal of the season to help lift New York City FC to a 2-0 win over the Red Bulls in the fifth installment of the New York Derby Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
The victory, NYCFC’s third in a row, gave the Club sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference, one point in front of the Philadelphia Union.
Photos: New York City FC vs. Red Bulls
Harrison put NYCFC (7-5-6) in front in the eighth minute when he latched onto an Andrea Pirlo, evaded Mike Grella with his second touch and then put a low shot off Luis Robles and in from 14 yards for his second goal of the season.
Villa doubled NYCFC’s lead in the 66th minute with his first goal in five derby matches. Off a quick counter, Frank Lampard sprung Harrison, who raced down the right side. Harrison played a sublime ball across the box to a sprinting Villa, who tapped in from seven yards out.
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It was Villa’s league-leading 12th goal of the season.
The Red Bulls (7-9-2) finished the match with 10 men after Chris Duvall received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Pirlo in the 79th minute.
Villa had two quality chances to extend NYCFC’s lead before the interval, but Robles did well to dive to his right in the 37th minute and then the captain’s attempt from 20 yards deflected out for a corner one minute before halftime.
Villa nearly had a brace three minutes from full time when he danced around Dax McCarty and into space, but his curling effort was just over the crossbar.
How they lined up …
Patrick Vieira tweaked his lineup in his preferred 4-3-3 from the team that defeated the Seattle Sounders, 2-0, last Saturday. Jason Hernandez returned from his suspension, but played on the right, while RJ Allen started on the left.
Ronald Matarrita came on for Tommy McNamara in the 62nd minute, moving Allen to the right as Vieira went with five in the back.
Mikey Lopez came on for Frank Lampard in the 73rd minute and Federico Bravo came on for Andrea Pirlo in the 83rd minute for NYCFC’s final substitution.
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Man of the Match …
Jack Harrison
The rookie midfielder was the difference maker in his second New York Derby appearance, giving NYCFC only its second lead in five matches against the Red Bulls and then setting up David Villa’s insurance goal midway through the second half.
Harrison wowed the crowd when he pushed the ball past Mike Grella with his left foot after receiving an Andrea Pirlo corner. That touch freed Harrison into the box and he followed with a right-footed shot that he put in off Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles.
Harrison’s pass for Villa’s goal was just as nice. After Frank Lampard played Harrison forward, he connected with a streaking Villa on a perfect ball across the face of goal.
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Key moment …
David Villa has been one of Major League Soccer’s leading scorers since signing with NYCFC, but the captain hadn’t managed to score against the Red Bulls until Sunday. Villa’s league-leading 12th goal of the season helped seal NYCFC’s first-ever win over the Red Bulls when he tapped in a perfect cross from Jack Harrison in the 66th minute.
Stats and milestones …
- NYCFC defeated the Red Bulls for the first time
- NYCFC won its third match in a row, matching a season high
- NYCFC moved into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference
- Jack Harrison scored the second goal of his professional career
- David Villa scored his MLS-leading 12th goal of the season
What it means …
With a first win over the New York Red Bulls, NYCFC extended its winning streak to three consecutive games and moved into first place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Philadelphia Union. NYCFC returns to action Wednesday night when they take on the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
Tweet of the Match...
