MLS Multiplex
Fansided

MLS: Red Bulls Battle to Draw Against Fire

By Zach Lahey

Jul 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Salvatore Zizzo (15) and New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) react after Chicago Fire defender Matt Polster (2) scores an own goal during the first half at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Salvatore Zizzo (15) and New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) react after Chicago Fire defender Matt Polster (2) scores an own goal during the first half at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Red Bulls and the Chicago Fire battled it out as each team came away with a point after a 2-2 draw at Toyota Park.

Bradley Wright Phillips helped the New York Red Bulls secure a point against the Chicago Fire. His late goal leveled the match in stoppage time.

The scoring started when Mike Grella crossed the ball into the box. The Fire defense had some miscommunication which caused the ball to stay in the box. Sacha Kljestan finished the ball in the back of the net to give New York the lead.

Later on in the first half, Luis Robles sustained a thigh injury which stopped play for a couple minutes. When play resumed, David Accam scored on a dangerous Chicago Corner. This leveled the match.

More from MLS Multiplex

In stoppage time of the first half, Matt Polster put the Fire ahead with a beautiful goal.

The Red Bulls then strikes back almost forty five minutes later, by the foot of Wright Phillips. Connor Lade put in a cross which was finished by Wright Phillips. This goal was Wright Phillips’s 63rd  goal for the New York Red Bulls which made him the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.

Three Takeaways

  1. Wright Phillips Comes Up Big: Wright Phillips has been a savior for the New York Red Bulls. Ever since his record breaking 2013 season, he has been a fan favorite. In three seasons, he has been able to become the clubs all-time leading goalscorer. He has surpassed Juan Pablo Angle, Clint Mathis, and Thierry Henry. He has marked his name in Red Bulls history forever. The only thing that could make him a bigger legend is if he brings home an MLS Cup trophy to the South Ward.
  2. Fire Are Not That Bad: Many analysts around the league have been very harsh on the Chicago Fire. The Fire are not the best team in the league but they have a lot of players who will develop nicely. Brandon Vincent is one of the best outside backs in the league. David Accam has proven to be an attacking stalwart. They have the potential to be a dangerous club in the near future.
  3. Injury Concerns: Dax McCarty left the game late in the first half with a knee contusion. While, Luis Robles was treated for a thigh injury but remained in net. It will be interesting to monitor those two injuries because they are arguably two of the best players within the organization. The leadership they both acquire has been huge for the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls will start the CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage on Wednesday against Antigua GFC.

Home/Post Match