Yes, it’s another heartbreaking loss that ended horribly for the Red Bulls at Subaru Park, but one where it looked to be destined for an extra 30 minutes, which didn’t happen, as the match ended with two minutes remaining in regulation time. Still, there were some encouraging signs that hopefully they can make a big run with eight matches remaining in league play and capitalize on their win against Real Salt Lake.
The Kids Did Well In the Opening Half
The opening 45 minutes were a master class, even though they got scored on after taking a brief lead in this match. The players were energetic, they were relentless, and the Union was being stifled by the club’s defense most of the time. Wiki Carmona, who hasn’t been the attacking player this season like he was last year, found the back of the net by surprising Andre Blake when he took the shot and splashed the back of the net.
Kyle Duncan Lost His Cool
We all understand these games in the Open Cup and any derby match against DC, NYC, NE & PHI are always hotly contested. At the same time, you have to keep your emotions in check, and Duncan failed to do so at the wrong time. He picked up a yellow card in the 23rd minute, but later on, he had a shoving match with Olwethu Makhanya. He should’ve known that Makhanya was trying to get him sent off.
While he was lucky that the referee didn’t issue him a second yellow card, his night was done. Sandro Schwarz had Dylan Nealis ready to go and subbed out Duncan in the 35th minute. Once he was off the pitch, Duncan and Schwarz exchanged some harsh words. But, Sandro said in the post-match press conference, Duncan realized why he had to be subbed out.
If the referee had issued Duncan that second yellow card, then the red card follows, and the Red Bulls would’ve been down to ten men the rest of the way. They would’ve been in big trouble and forced to sub out one of their attacking players instead of a straight swap. Sandro did the right thing.
Choupo-Moting, Right Place, Right Time
Sandro’s game plan was working. For over an hour, his young players were getting the job done and holding off the Union. He subbed in both Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to enhance the attacking third. In the 71st minute, they struck, and it was an amazing finish. The Cameroonian International went on an attacking run and timed the ball being crossed.
When the ball slowly dropped in front of Choupo-Moting, he took a half volley and smashed the near upper 90 to take the air out of the building. 16 goals in all competitions from the 35-year-old, who many have said before this season started was a waste of a signing, has been showing he is doing very well teaming up with Forsberg in the attack.
A.J. Marcucci was Fantastic until disaster Struck
Whenever A.J. Marcucci’s name was called to start for Carlos Coronel, going away on international duty, giving him a break, or the possibility of him replacing Coronel for the future was a fantastic sight to see. He has done well in two league games, two Open Cup games, and two Leagues cup games, and made a crucial save in two penalty kick shootouts.
While he did concede two goals in the match against the Union, that third one was not his fault due to unforeseen circumstances. Late in regulation, he was contending for a ball that was crossed toward his net. Leaped up in the air to punch it away, sadly, the punch wasn’t that successful as he didn’t get his left fist on the ball properly.
But the worst of the worst on that play was how he landed. He landed awkwardly, crumpled to the ground very quickly, riving in pain, and then the free shot on the rebound happened as Makhanya ripped it hard. On the replay, it looked like either a knee or an ankle that was not in a solid position, as a slight jerking motion got him injured. If that never happens and it’s a clean landing, Marcucci is still on his feet to make a possible save attempt.
That’s how close the Red Bulls were to reaching Extra Time, and Marcucci would’ve been right there to join his teammates in the extra 30 minutes. Overall, the game plan was perfect. The Union was frustrated with the intensity from the club, and a much better start than their last match in league play. While the anger and frustration are understandable from the fans’ point of view, that one moment unfortunately ended the run.
Let’s hope they can get back over the playoff line with eight matches remaining, and let’s also hope Gustav Breggren will finally arrive to give assistance to this late run for the postseason. Time to move forward, but for their open cup run, hopefully, they will make another run next season.
RELATED TOPICS: https://bad-dawgsports.com/2025/08/14/red-bulls-lose-late-to-the-union-in-open-cup/
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