MLS Red Bull New York

Rodgers' Strike Helps Red Bulls Earn 1-1

Published on May 28, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


VANCOUVER, BC (May 28, 2011) - Luke Rodgers' fifth goal of the season helped the New York Red Bulls earn a 1-1 tie against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Empire Field Saturday afternoon in front of 21,000 spectators. It was the Red Bulls' third match in eight days, as they moved to 18 points off a 4-2-6 record with the draw.

Early on, the hosts looked to pressure New York early, as Shea Salinas got by his defender and passed the ball to Eric Hassli, who could not put his attempt on target from the back post in the second minute. Four minutes later, the Red Bulls caught Vancouver on the counterattack. Dwayne De Rosario sprung Rodgers on the right wing and the forward held off his defender before striking his shot wide. Soon after, Rodgers found Jan Gunnar Solli at the top of the penalty box and the Norwegian ripped an attempt over the crossbar.

Whitecaps FC took the lead in the 24th minute. Camilo played a give-and-go with Davide Chiumiento on the left wing and the forward was free in the box before being tackled by New York's Carlos Mendes. Referee Mark Geiger pointed to the penalty spot and Hassli converted, tucking his shot just out of the reach of goalkeeper Greg Sutton.

The Red Bulls responded 10 minutes after Vancouver's opener with a score of their own. Roy Miller struck a cross-field ball to Solli on the right side. Solli gathered possession and found a streaking Rodgers, who volleyed it into the back of the net.

Both sides were hoping to gain an advantage after the break and Sutton's efforts kept the score tied as he kicked away an on-target attempt from Hassli in the 59th minute. Moments later, Miller was inches from giving the visitors the lead, whizzing a shot just by the right post. With 10 minutes to play, Red Bulls substitute Matt Kassel, making his MLS debut, almost found twine with a 22 yard volley that was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Jay Nolly. De Rosario nearly stole the points late, curling a free kick and missing the goalframe.

The Red Bulls were missing forward Thierry Henry (right knee swelling) due to injury while defender Rafa Marquez (Mexico) and midfielder Dane Richards (Jamaica) were away on international duty, preparing for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup with their respective national teams. New York midfielder Austin da Luz came into the game in the 70th minute, earning his first-career MLS appearance.

The Red Bulls return home on Saturday, June 4 to host the Columbus Crew at 7:30 PM ET. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 28, 2011


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