MLS Red Bull New York

Weekly Update: First Place Red Bulls Make Trip to Montreal Saturday

Published on May 14, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


FIRST PLACE RED BULLS VISIT MONTREAL SATURDAY

Winners of four straight, the first place New York Red Bulls travel north to take on the Montreal Impact on Saturday at 7:30 PM ET at Olympic Stadium (TV: MSG; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM).

New York's last win, a come from behind 3-2 victory at Philadelphia this past Sunday, vaulted the Red Bulls into first place in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls are currently on 22 points on a record of 7-3-1, sitting one point ahead of second place Sporting Kansas City. New York has won four straight matches for the first time since the club won five straight games from April 26-May 24, 2003.

Montreal enters the match on a positive streak of their own, as the Impact is unbeaten in their last four games. This past weekend, the Impact hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy, tying the defending MLS Cup Champion, 1-1, in front of a record crowd for a soccer match in Canada (60,860). The Impact's Davy Arnaud gave the hosts the lead after just eight minutes, but the Galaxy earned a share of the points thanks to David Beckham's free kick strike in the 62nd minute. Montreal is now tied for fifth in the East on a record of 3-5-3, 12 points.

This is the Red Bulls first trip to Montreal for an MLS match. The teams did face each other last season in a friendly on May 11, 2011 at the Olympic Stadium, a match the Impact won 1-0. Earlier this season on March 31, New York defeated Montreal by a 5-2 score in the first MLS match between the teams. Thierry Henry notched his first MLS hat trick for New York, which also got goals from Mehdi Ballouchy and Kenny Cooper in the victory.

RED BULLS-IMPACT CONNECTIONS

Montreal Impact midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic played in 69 games with the Red Bulls from 2007-10. New York selected the University of Akron product with the 33rd overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. During his time with the Red Bulls, Ubiparipovic started 33 games, logging 3,129 minutes and scoring two goals while adding five assists. He was an influential member of the Red Bulls' 2008 squad that went to the MLS Cup Finals, starting all four games during the postseason run. After departing the Red Bulls following the 2010 season, Ubiparipovic latched on with the Impact for their final season in the North American Soccer League in 2011.

Goalkeeper Greg Sutton, a former Canadian International, spent parts of two seasons with New York in 2010 and 2011, playing in 13 matches. He earned a combined 4-3-6 record, pitching two shutouts while compiling a 1.23 goals-against average. Sutton also was a member of the franchise during the 2000 season, but did not appear in any matches.

LAST WEEK

Red Bulls 1, Houston Dynamo 0 on Wednesday, May 9 at Red Bull Arena

Red Bulls 3, Philadelphia Union 2 on Sunday, May 13 at PPL Park

THIS WEEK

Red Bulls at Montreal Impact at Olympic Stadium on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 PM ET (TV: MSG; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM).

NEXT WEEK

Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00 PM ET (TV: MSG+; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM)

NEW YORK VAULTS INTO FIRST PLACE, UPENDING PHILADELPHIA 3-2

Forward Kenny Cooper's ninth goal of the season in the 78th minute helped overcome a 2-1 deficit and gave New York a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park, lifting the streaking Red Bulls (7-3-1, 22 pts.) into first place in the Eastern Conference. It was the first time since April""May 2003 that New York has notched four consecutive victories. Midfielder Joel Lindpere and defender Markus Holgersson also found the back of the net for the Red Bulls, who are now one point ahead of second place Sporting Kansas City (7-3-0, 21 pts.).

The Union had the opening opportunity in the seventh minute, as defender Michael Farfan lofted a cross into the box to a streaking Keon Daniel. Daniel could not control it however, and the ball went out of play. Moments later, midfielder Freddy Adu had space in the center of the park and his left-footed blast forced goalkeeper Ryan Meara to his left to make a save.

The Red Bulls took the lead in the 17th minute. New York defender Roy Miller played a long ball to Mehdi Ballouchy in the left channel. Ballouchy was able to control the ball and cut it to an on-rushing Lindpere, who took a touch and ripped it past goalkeeper Zac MacMath for his second goal of the season.

Philadelphia tried to get back into in the encounter and in the 24th minute, Lionard Pajoy was able to spin off Holgersson at the top of the box and his ensuing shot was held by Meara. Pajoy though did not miss seven minutes later, tying the game when he flicked home an Adu cross from eight yards out. That tally snapped New York's streak of 321 minutes without conceding a goal. Adu was sent off in the 43rd minute for earning his second yellow card for simulation, leaving the Union with 10 men.

Despite being down a player, the Union took the lead in a minute into the second half. Brian Carroll headed a New York clearance to Danny Mwanga and the Philadelphia found Pajoy on the left wing. Pajoy juked into the box and slipped it by Meara for his second goal of the game.

New York hunted for the tying goal and nearly got it in the 66th minute. Dane Richards got to the endline and his cross was punched away by MacMath. The ball floated to substitute Juan Agudelo and the forward's scissor kick just missed the mark.

Two minutes later, the visitors evened the score. Brandon Barklage's corner kick found an open Holgersson and the Swedish defender nodded it into the back of the net for his first career MLS goal.

Agudelo almost put the Red Bulls ahead in the 77th minute as his volley off a Lindpere cross was punched away by MacMath. Soon after though, New York got the eventual match-winner. Rafa Marquez had the ball in the center circle and lofted it over the top to Cooper. Cooper touched it past an on-rushing MacMath and hit it into the gaping net.

Philadelphia rallied to try and find its third goal and its best chance came in the 86th minute when Farfan got on the end of a Josue Martinez free kick and could not put it on target from close range. Meara came up trumps in second half stoppage time, making a fine stop to block Pajoy's attempt for a hat trick.

RED BULLS' DEFENSE HOLDS FIRM IN 1-0 VICTORY OVER HOUSTON

Another stout defensive effort led the New York Red Bulls to their third straight victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Houston Dynamo, 1-0, at Red Bull Arena. Kenny Cooper's eighth goal of the season in the seventh minute stood up as New York's defense kept its third consecutive clean sheet. The win improved New York to 6-3-1.

The Red Bulls got a fortunate bounce that resulted in the game's only goal just seven minutes in. Cooper dribbled at the top of the box but was dispossessed and Dynamo defender Corey Ashe played the ball back to goalkeeper Tally Hall. Cooper pressured Hall, who hurriedly tried to blast it upfield. However, the ball took a deflection off of Cooper and bounded into the net.

The teams traded possession for the remainder of the first half, with neither side able to generate many scoring chances. In the 65th minute, the Red Bulls created a good scoring opportunity when Dane Richards set up substitute forward Juan Agudelo. However, Agudelo's shot from 20 yards was parried away by Hall. A minute later, Dax McCarty tried his luck from over 25-yards-out after a giveaway by the Dynamo defense and the shot sailed wide.

The Dynamo had two excellent opportunities to even the match, first in the in the 82nd minute. A loose ball popped out to Brad Davis at the top of the area. Davis' ensuing shot kept rising and just missed the frame. Two minutes later, Adam Moffat tried his luck from 20 yards out and was also unable to keep his attempt on goal.

In second half stoppage time, rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara was able to deny a header by Houston forward Will Bruin. Meara was unable to cleanly catch the looping shot initially, but eventually took control of the ball to preserve the shutout.

THREE IN NINE

The Red Bulls have won their last four matches, despite being in the middle of a crowded schedule. New York's last three victories have come in a nine-day span. It's the first time New York has won three league matches in such a span since July 2006, when the club defeated Colorado on July 14, Columbus on July 19 and Kansas City on July 22 "" an eight day period.

HOLGERSSON FINDS NET, BARKLAGE ASSIST HIS FIRST

Red Bulls defender Markus Holgersson notched his first MLS goal on Sunday against the Philadelphia Union, evening the score at two in the 68th minute in New York's eventual victory. Holgersson rose to head home a corner kick delivery from Brandon Barklage, who was credited with his first career MLS assist. Holgersson, who has worn the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry, became the first New York defender to score a goal since Danleigh Borman scored on Oct. 16, 2010, also in Philadelphia against the Union.

COOPER TIES HENRY IN GOALS

Kenny Cooper's game-winning 78th minute goal on Sunday at Philadelphia was the forward's ninth goal of the season. He is now tied for the team lead in goals with the injured Thierry Henry. The pair's nine goals currently trail San Jose's Chris Wondolowski by two for the league lead. Additionally, it was Cooper's 57th career MLS goal, tying him for 22nd place on the league's all-time list with Diego Serna.

MARQUEZ RETURNS, NOTCHES ASSIST ON GAME WINNER

Sunday's win over Philadelphia marked the return of Red Bulls midfielder/defender Rafa Marquez to the lineup. The Mexican International had missed the team's past four matches, three due to suspension and the last to a left ankle injury. Marquez highlighted his return to the lineup by picking out Kenny Cooper on the Red Bulls' game-winning 78th minute goal. It was Marquez' second assist of the season and eighth in 34 regular season matches since joining New York in 2010.

SCORING FIRST

The Red Bulls' 3-2 victory on Sunday at Philadelphia extended the team's unbeaten streak under head coach Hans Backe in regular season games where the team scores first. In those games, New York is 29-0-11.

STREAK SNAPPED, BUT A NEW RECORD

When the Red Bulls surrendered a goal to Philadelphia Union forward Lionard Pajoy in the 31st minute of Sunday's victory, it snapped a 321-minute shutout streak by Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara. The streak is a record for MLS rookie goalkeepers, besting Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath's previous mark.

RED BULL ARENA TO HOST MESSI, ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM IN PRACTICE ON JUNE 7

The New York Red Bulls and Cardenas Marketing Network announced that Red Bull Arena will play host to Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team in an open practice Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 PM ET.

Messi, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year winner, travels stateside with his national team for a highly anticipated friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil June 9 at MetLife Stadium. The match, which sold out in just over three weeks, is the fastest-selling soccer match in U.S. history.

Tickets for the Argentina open practice are on sale and can be purchased by calling 877.RB.SOCCER or by visiting tickets.newyorkredbulls.com.

New York Red Bulls Stampede Members will receive a free ticket to the Argentina National Team training session at Red Bull Arena as part of their Season Ticket welcome gift.

Red, Yellow and Blue members will have until 11:00 AM ET on Friday, June 1 to RSVP and redeem their free admission to this unique event. A separate email with information and instructions will be sent directly to all of the team's season ticket holders.

"The match was sold out in less than 20 days. We thought an open practice at a state-of-the-art facility like Red Bull Arena would serve as the next best thing for fans without a ticket to the match," said CMN Sports Chief Executive Officer Henry Cardenas. "When Argentina and Brazil face off, the soccer world watches, and die-hard fans will enjoy watching some of the world's best players up close preparing for the big match. It's going to be a tremendous week of soccer in New York."

"We are thrilled to be hosting Argentina - widely known as one of the top teams in international soccer," said New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations Chris Heck. "At Red Bull Arena, we provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for our fans and supporters and we expect that this event will be a great opportunity for Red Bulls Season Ticket Holders, soccer lovers and sports enthusiasts across the New York area to see some of the best players in the world."

Both Brazil and Argentina played the U.S. National Team at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2010 and March 26, 2011, respectively. The return trip is undoubtedly a must-see event for soccer fans living in the New York area.

Argentina, home to one of the sport's most iconic figures, Diego Maradona, is one of only five nations to hoist multiple World Cups and is a 14-time continental champion. Brazil is largely considered the most successful federation in international soccer, home to many of the sport's icons, including Pele, Ronaldo, and current Real Madrid superstar Kaka. Brazil is the only nation to win five World Cups and is an eight-time continental champion.

RED BULLS TO HOST TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR ON JULY 31 AT RED BULL ARENA

The New York Red Bulls will face English Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur, on Tuesday, July 31, at Red Bull Arena as part of the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. Kickoff time and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders will have this match included in their plans as "Event 18" (out of 20). Season Ticket Holders will have access to an exclusive team meet-and-greet, as well as an open practice and autograph session. Fans can purchase tickets for the Tottenham match through an exclusive three-game pack by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com or calling 1.877.RBSOCCER.

"Tottenham has been one of the top EPL teams over the past several years and we are thrilled to play host to them at Red Bull Arena," said Chris Heck, New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations. "We are also excited to bring an elite international club as a reward for our season ticket holders and the supporters for both clubs. There will be several exciting events prior to, during and after the match that will have the direct involvement of fans and we are looking forward to revealing more details later this spring."

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. We enjoyed an excellent match against the Red Bulls during our last tour to the US and we expect this game to be equally competitive," said Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy. "In recent years, we have seen a significant rise in the number of Spurs fans across the USA and especially in and around New York and New Jersey. This match presents us with a great opportunity to give something back to those fans and also introduce new supporters to the Spurs way of playing soccer."

Tottenham, also known as Spurs, finished fourth in the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League. The London-based club boasts a number of top international players including Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale, Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. In addition, former U.S. Men's National Team standout goalkeeper Brad Friedel plays for Spurs.

Tottenham came to Red Bull Arena on July 22, 2010 as part of the New York Football Challenge and won, 2-1, behind goals from Robbie Keane and Bale. New York forward and former Arsenal FC star Thierry Henry made his Red Bulls debut in that match and scored in the first half. The Red Bulls have a 1-1-1 record all-time against English Premier League sides and are 42-26-15 in international play.

RED BULLS ACADEMY UPDATE: Red Bulls Under-18 and Under-14 Teams Sweep Weekend Matches: The Red Bulls Academy went 5-3-1 this weekend, highlighted by a pair of sweeps by the Under-18 and Under-14 teams over Met Oval and the New York Cosmos.

On Saturday, the Under-18 team got standout performances from some new faces in shutting out Met Oval 4-0. Under-16 player Amando Moreno, playing up with the Under-18 squad, opened the scoring eight minutes in off a feed from Ethan Decker. In the 23rd minute, the Red Bulls doubled their lead on Kerlins Georges' first of the season. The Red Bulls weren't done as a minute later, Moreno set up Oscar Gonzalez's first tally of the year as the Red Bulls entered the break up by three. For good measure early in the second half, Moreno notched his second assist of the game as Georges once more found the back of the net. On Sunday, the Under-18's knocked off local rival New York Cosmos by a 3-1 score. Georges continued his hot play, heading in a fifth minute corner kick from Scotty Thomsen, who assisted on all three Red Bulls' goals to raise his season total to 10. Seven minutes later, Brandon Allen converted another set piece off the foot of Thomsen for his 15th goal of the year, as the Red Bulls doubled their lead. While the Cosmos were able to pull one back before halftime, Erik Sa put the match away with his fourth goal of the season in the 87th minute.

The Red Bulls Under-14 team also was perfect in its two matches this weekend. A defensive battle ensued on Saturday when the team traveled to Long Island to take on Albertson. Gideon Metrikin found the twine in the first half with the only goal of the match, as the defense held on in a shutout win. The following day, Rafael Terci shined as the Under-14 team defeated NJSA by a 5-0 score. Terci scored all five Red Bulls goals in the one-sided win.

The Under-15 Red Bulls nearly won both games this weekend, settling for a 1-0-1 mark. On Saturday at Albertson, the Red Bulls led twice but couldn't hold on as Albertson scored just three minutes from full time to share the spoils, 2-2. Dante Perez and Harrison Steadman were the Red Bulls' goal scorers. However on Sunday, the Red Bulls notched an early lead and built on it, defeating NJSA 5-0. Jake Areman gave the Red Bulls a 2-0 lead going into halftime with a pair of strikes, while Steadman shined in the second half in notching a hat trick.

With some key players missing while at the United States Under-14 National Team camp, the Under-13 Red Bulls dropped a 1-0 decision at PDA on Sunday. The Under-16 Red Bulls fell on Saturday to Met Oval, 1-0, and lost 3-1 to the Cosmos on Sunday. Alex Muyl scored the lone goal for the Under-16s on the weekend, his 11th of the year.

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