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MLS New York Red Bulls

New York retains Atlantic Cup despite decision in front of 22,200 spectators at Red Bull Arena

July 10, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


HARRISON, NJ - The New York Red Bulls won the Atlantic Cup for the second straight year, but dropped a 1-0 decision to D.C. United Saturday night in front of 22,200 spectators. Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario scored the only goal of the match, as the loss brought the Red Bulls' record to 6-4-10, 28 points. The Red Bulls held onto the Atlantic Cup - the winner of the annual New York-D.C. regular season series - by virtue of total goals scored in the two matches played (New York had a 4-1 advantage).

The teams were evenly matched through the first 45 minutes, with both looking to establish a foothold in the game. In the 5th minute, Luke Rodgers set up Joel Lindpere at the top of the box, but the Estonian's shot sailed over the bar. Four minutes later, United tried to nab the first goal of the game when Josh Wolff hit a long-range effort, but Red Bulls goalkeeper Greg Sutton was able to catch the shot.

United's best chance of the first half came in the 43rd minute. However, the visitors were thwarted by Tim Ream's excellent defense. Chris Pontius freed Charlie Davies behind the Red Bulls' back line and Davies took a touch around Sutton. Davies' touch forced him to take a sharp angled shot towards the vacated net and Ream made a sliding save to knock the ball out and keep the game scoreless after the first half.

Five minutes after the restart, Thierry Henry nearly took advantage of a D.C. turnover at the back. Daniel Woolard's back pass eluded its target and resulted in a loose ball towards the United area. Henry was able to outmuscle Ethan White, gained control of the ball in the box, and took a left footed shot form close range that was parried away by Bill Hamid.

Former Red Bull De Rosario scored his first goal in a D.C. United uniform to give the visitors the lead in the 61st minute. Andy Najar sent a short pass that De Rosario dummied along to Wolff. Wolff one-timed a through ball to De Rosario in stride in the box and the midfielder fired a left footed shot that hit off the left post and bounded across the line. De Rosario was traded by New York to D.C. United on June 27 in exchange for Dax McCarty.

New York tried for the equalizer right away when Mehdi Ballouchy played Rodgers behind the United defense, but the Englishman's left-footed shot bounced wide of the far post. New York's final effort came in second half stoppage time on a corner kick by McCarty, but the D.C. United defense stayed strong and cleared the ball away to safety, preserving the shutout.

New York is next in action in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, when they take on the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park at 8:30 PM ET (TV: None; Radio: None). The Red Bulls then return to MLS play on Saturday at the Home Depot Center against Chivas USA at 10:30 PM ET (TV: MSG/Galavision; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). New York's next home match is on Saturday, July 23, as it battles 2010 MLS Cup Finalist FC Dallas at 6:00 PM ET (TV: MSG, Galavision; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). For tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

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