MLS New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls Down Jacksonville Armada, 5-1, in Final Preseason Test

Published on February 27, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The New York Red Bulls defeated the Jacksonville Armada, 5-1, on Saturday evening at Jacksonville's Community First Park in the final test of the 2016 preseason. Gonzalo Veron scored a hat trick to lead New York, with Gideon Baah and Sean Davis each adding a goal.

New York's starters saw extended minutes in the last preseason match before the MLS opener next Sunday, March 6, when Toronto FC visits Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls found their legs after the first 15 minutes, gathering momentum that would pay off with two goals just four minutes apart.

The scoring began with Veron's first in the 24th minute. Bradley Wright-Phillips got the ball at the top of the box and laid off for Sacha Kljestan, who played Veron through the defense. The Argentine took a touch and finished with a clean shot to the bottom right corner.

Wright-Phillips had a chance to strike again minutes later, running onto the end of a through ball from Kljestan. Wright-Phillips was able to round the Jacksonville 'keeper, but a sliding effort from Armada captain Miguel Gallardo kept the ball out of the net.

Baah did double the lead on the ensuing corner kick, getting his head on the offering from Kljestan in the 28th minute.

Veron got his second and third goals second apart at the 60-minute mark. Veron finished a loose ball in the box to put the Red Bulls up 3-0.

On the ensuing restart, New York stole the ball from the Armada and started in on goal, with Wright-Phillips finding Veron on the break for a cool finish back across the face of goal.

Davis, appearing in a substitute role, added a fifth goal in the waning moments with a laser from the top of the box.

The Armada got one back in the 84th minute with a long strike from Charles Eloundou, denying Red Bulls' goalkeeper Luis Robles a clean sheet despite a strong outing that included several noteworthy saves.

Next Sunday's home opener is set for 1:30 p.m., with coverage in English and Spanish on MSG and the Red Bulls Radio Network.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 27, 2016


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