Red Bulls’ Playoff Dreams Crushed as FC Cincinnati Advances 2-1

The New York Red Bulls’ 2022 MLS playoff campaign came to an abrupt end Sunday afternoon as FC Cincinnati secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena, advancing to face the Philadelphia Union in the next round.

Injury Report Impacts Both Squads

Both teams entered the crucial playoff opener dealing with significant absences. The Red Bulls were without Cam Harper (quad), Zach Ryan (shoulder), and Cristian Casseres Jr. (leg), while Caden Clark remained questionable with a back injury. Cincinnati faced its own challenges with injuries, missing Beckham Sunderland (concussion protocol) and Kenneth Vermeer (torn pectoral).

First Half: Defensive Battle

The opening 45 minutes showcased two evenly matched sides feeling each other out. The Red Bulls created the better chances early, with Lewis Morgan’s 15th-minute effort sailing just over the crossbar from 19 yards – a shot he typically converts.

Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta drew the referee’s attention in the 19th minute for delaying play, while Matt Miazga received a yellow card for dissent. Both teams struggled to find the final pass needed to break the deadlock, heading into halftime scoreless.

Second Half Drama Unfolds

The breakthrough came in the 49th minute when Morgan delivered a spectacular strike into the upper corner, giving New York a 1-0 advantage. However, his celebration proved costly as he appeared to injure himself, forcing an early substitution for Dylan Nealis.

The momentum shifted in the 74th minute when Cincinnati earned a penalty kick. Acosta stepped up and calmly converted into the lower right corner, leveling the match at 1-1.

Late Heartbreak for Red Bulls

With time running out, Brandon Vazquez delivered the knockout punch in the 86th minute, scoring on a 1-v-1 opportunity against Carlos Coronel to put Cincinnati ahead 2-1.

Despite 12 minutes of added time and several late chances, including a close-range effort from Patryk Klimala in the 95th minute, the Red Bulls couldn’t find an equalizer.

Looking Ahead

FC Cincinnati advances to face the Philadelphia Union on Thursday, October 20, at 8:08 PM EST. For the Red Bulls, another first-round playoff exit raises questions about the roster’s construction and potential moves in the upcoming transfer window, particularly regarding Aaron Long’s future.

The defeat marks another disappointing early playoff exit for New York, continuing their struggle to advance beyond the opening round despite regular-season success.