Chicago Fire Put Red Bulls On Life Support

The match between Chicago and New York was crucial for both teams to have any chance at a playoff appearance. Neither side has been great this year, the Fire started the season off hot then the Leagues Cup showed up and they dropped like a sack of potatoes. It was expected to be a midfield showdown and a one-goal match.

Earlier this week on the Seeing Red NY podcast hosted by Mark Fishkin we broke down the matchup and what we expected to see from both sides. Have to say we pretty much nailed it almost to a T. The only player not involved was Kei Kamara who was listed as a player to watch by both of us.

The Chicago Fire needed 64′ to find the only standing goal of the match, the goal was scored by Georgios Koutsias via a header off a free kick taken by Xherdan Shaqiri. That would be yet another set-piece disaster for the Red Bulls this season and yet another aerial battle lost by center-back Andres Reyes. The goal did come without controversy though as the free kick came via the sending off of center-back Hassan NDam who picked up his second yellow card after multiple warnings from the center referee to be careful. Down to 10 men and one center-back gave Chicago just what they needed to find the go-ahead goal.

The Red Bull thought they had the lead in the 16′ when Tolkin sent a blast into the upper 90 of the 2nd post. However, the center referee and VAR would state that a foul was committed in the box by the Red Bulls just before the shot that sent the building into a frenzy. Tolkin then in the 32′ sent a header to the 2nd post but Tom Barlow was caught watching the birds in the sky, Tolkin wasn’t happy as it was yet another goal that should have been on the night and yet another miscue prevented it. Just another reason why the Red Bulls need to move on from the failed experiment labeled Tom Barlow.

“A couple of things I want to say, best of luck to tomorrow, the second team, they have a big match for Chicago in the playoffs. But really, I wish them the best of luck, and what they have done this year is really impressive. That group has really come a long way in terms of their development. The first half was a really good first half. I felt like we were on top of the game. Created momentum, and created chances but again needed a couple more clear-cut chances. I think the goal that we score is questionable, whether that’s a foul or not, Frankie is clearly playing the ball down, and I think — a little too early there. The second half, you know, I think that we didn’t really settle into the game. It’s almost like we were playing the game in the middle of the field, and that’s obviously not what the first half looked like. So, we need to be able to create a little bit more sustained attacks higher up the field at the beginning of the second half, which kind of led to like a 50/50-type game, and that’s clearly not what the intent was. But I would say, though, even going down a man, I give so much credit to this group, I really do. They continue to fight. It’s a little unlucky in some ways on the night but we have to keep saying, we make our own luck. I told the group now, again, some of the results go our way. So, we’re not there yet and they have to keep believing that we can get results, which we can. It’s going to be difficult, but we have three matches left, and the door is not shut yet.”

Troy Lesesne New York Red Bull Head Coach

In the second half, the Red Bulls had chances, but they came mostly from the Barlow brothers Tom Barlow and Cory Burke. The two of them combined ruined 8 grade A+ scoring chances of the guaranteed goal types. Burke took away the glory from young Hall who made his MLS debut during the match. Hall had three chances he would’ve converted but Burke jumped in front and headed the ball to another galaxy. The only other chance came via a blast from the top of the box by Amaya which set the goal celebration fire and smoke off, only problem the ball hit the bottom of the crossbar and went out instead of in the goal.

“Obviously, coming from the 15s working to the 17s was obviously a hard part, but making that jump to the second team, then the first team was, I mean, it was great that the coaches had that trust in me to make the next step, so it was great to finally get my moment today.” “I mean, it was a mix of emotions, you know, kind of nervous. kind of excited, but I think overall it was just great to be out on the field and it was great to have my family there to watch.” “It was mostly just support from the coaching staff. You know, they all just wanted me to go out there and have fun, and enjoy the moment, but it was ultimately just a big moment for me.”

Julian Hall (15-year-old standout Forward) #RBNY

While the Red Bulls sit just 3-points behind Montreal for the final playoff spot, they now need help to get into the playoffs. The 13-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances by the Bulls is in critical condition after this result. The team travels to Cincinnati who sits atop the league and winner of this year’s supporters shield. The match will be on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium.

Photo Credit: Bad Dawg Sports