In a thrilling match during the 23rd week of the MLS on Sunday, New York Red Bulls claimed three valuable points, defeating Real Salt Lake 2-1.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting had a chance to give the Red Bulls an earlier lead, but missed a penalty kick in the 83rd minute, which could have altered the game’s momentum.
Choupo-Moting, however, emerged as the game’s standout player, scoring both goals for New York and testing the opposing goalkeeper with five shots on target.
Another key contributor for the Red Bulls was Emil Forsberg, who made seven attempts to find the back of the net.
Coach Sandro Schwarz employed a strategic 4-5-1 formation with AJ Marcucci in goal, flanked by Kyle Duncan, Sean Nealis, Alexander Hack, and Raheem Edwards in defense. The midfield featured Ronald Donkor, Daniel Edelman, Wikelman Carmona, Emil Forsberg, and Mohammed Sofo, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting led the attack.
Real Salt Lake, managed by Pablo Mastroeni, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Rafael Cabral guarding the net, and a defense comprising Noel Caliskan, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Samuel Junqua. The midfield was supported by Diogo Gonçalves, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, and Diego Luna, with forwards William Agada and Zavier Gozo trying to penetrate the Red Bulls’ defense.
The match, officiated by Ricardo Fierro at Sports Illustrated Stadium, saw both teams make tactical substitutions throughout to shift the game’s dynamics.
Following this win, New York Red Bulls will face Philadelphia Union at home, while Real Salt Lake will host Los Angeles FC.
Substitutions for New York Red Bulls
45’ 2T – Alexander Hack came off for Tim Parker, Wikelman Carmona replaced Julian Hall.
71’ 2T – Mohammed Sofo was substituted for Serge Ngoma.
90’ 2T – Emil Forsberg was taken off for Dylan Nealis.
Yellow Cards for New York Red Bulls:
13’ 1T – Alexander Hack (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 13’ 2T – Ronald Donkor (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 31’ 2T – Sean Nealis (Disputing with an opponent).
Red Card for New York Red Bulls:
44’ 2T – Kyle Duncan (Straight red).
Substitutions for Real Salt Lake
100’ 2T – Emeka Eneli came off for Johnny Russell.
63’ 2T – Braian Ojeda substituted for Pablo Enrique Ruíz, William Agada for Rwan Cruz, and Ronald Donkor for Peter Stroud.
Yellow Cards for Real Salt Lake:
31’ 2T – Zavier Gozo (Disputing with an opponent), 36’ 2T – Diego Luna (Unsportsmanlike conduct).
Red Card for Real Salt Lake:
40’ 2T – Diego Luna (Second yellow).