MLS New York Red Bulls

Red Bulls Eliminated from MLS Cup Playoffs Following 2-1 Extra Time Defeat

Published on November 7, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


HARRISON, NJ (November 6, 2013) - The 2013 Supporters' Shield-winning New York Red Bulls had their MLS Cup Playoffs run come to an end following a 2-1 extra time loss to the 2011 and 2012 MLS Cup Finalist Houston Dynamo in the second leg of the teams' Eastern Conference Semifinal Series at Red Bull Arena Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 22,264 spectators. With the sides tied 2-2 heading into the second leg, an Omar Cummings 104th minute goal proved to be the series winner and sent Houston through 4-3 on aggregate. The Dynamo will face Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference Final.

New York took the lead in the 23rd minute. Lloyd Sam's cross into the six-yard box was fumbled by goalkeeper Tally Hall. Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips was the first to the ball and slid it home.

However, the Dynamo tied the contest 13 minutes later. An errant pass in New York's defensive end was intercepted by Brad Davis. Davis was able to control the ball and the Houston captain curled it past New York goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Hall recovered from his early mistake for the rest of the match and made a terrific save moments before the half. Another Sam cross was redirected towards goal by Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill then got a foot on the attempt. The Dynamo goalkeeper, however, was able to react quickly enough to paw away the on-target effort.

The Red Bulls had the majority of chances throughout the game (outshooting Houston 23-9) and were inches away from going ahead again 20 minutes into the second half, as Henry got a free header from eight yards and flicked it over Hall and off the crossbar. Soon after, Henry's cross was nodded by Cahill straight to Hall.

Henry again had another chance in the 74th minute, controlling a Jonny Steele long ball and curling it just wide with his left foot. Houston's Giles Barnes almost headed it into his own net later, but Hall made another spectacular stop to prevent the own goal. Hall was also able to get a piece on Henry's audacious bicycle kick try in second half stoppage time as the teams went to extra time.

Cummings scored the eventual game-winning goal in the first 15-minute half of extra time. Kofi Sarkodie's cross was headed down by Cam Weaver and Cummings was able to get enough power on his shot to fire it over the line before Robles was able to sweep it out.

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