MLS Red Bull New York

New York Eliminated from 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs with Conference Semifinal Loss

Published on November 4, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


CARSON, CA (Nov. 3, 2011) - Forward Luke Rodgers recorded his first career playoff goal, but the New York Red Bulls were eliminated from the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 3-1 Conference Semifinal aggregate goal loss to the reigning MLS Supporters Shield winner, the LA Galaxy, after the Galaxy earned a 2-1 victory Thursday night at The Home Depot Center in the second leg. New York needed to win Thursday, as LA won the first leg, 1-0, on Sunday at Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls scored four minutes into the encounter, tying the series 1-1 on aggregate. New York forward Thierry Henry was able to turn and face the goal and slid a perfectly weighted ball to an on-rushing Rodgers, who beat defender Omar Gonzalez and slid it underneath goalkeeper Josh Saunders and into the net.

Los Angeles looked to recapture its series lead five minutes later, as David Beckham had enough space to curl an attempt just over the crossbar. Soon after, Henry had a long-distance blast held by Saunders. Galaxy forward Robbie Keane was inches away from scoring, rifling an acute angle shot off the left upright in the 19th minute.

The Galaxy had a golden opportunity to retake the series advantage in the 38th minute. Los Angeles midfielder Chris Birchall ripped a 30-yard shot that goalkeeper Frank Rost could only parry in front of him. Keane was first to the rebound, but his left-footed one-timer was blocked by a diving Rost.

Los Angeles tied the game and took a 2-1 series advantage three minutes from halftime. Beckham's in-swinging corner kick found an open Mike Magee, who nodded it into the back of the net for his second goal in as many games.

After halftime, Rodgers almost doubled his tally on a similar play to his opening goal in the 57th minute. Midfielder Dax McCarty played a through ball to Rodgers, and the forward again split the Galaxy centerbacks and ran into space. However, his left-footed shot went into the side netting. Less than 10 minutes later, New York defender Roy Miller curled his attempt past the left post.

LA sealed the series in the 74th minute when Miller fouled Beckham inside the 18-yard box, earning the hosts a penalty kick. Galaxy captain Landon Donovan stepped up and converted from the spot.

Henry had a chance to knot up the game and bring the series to within one eight minutes from full time, slamming a free kick just over the crossbar.

New York midfielder Rafa Marquez was suspended for Thursday's match while Teemu Tainio left the game in the 16th minute due to tightness in his right hamstring.

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