Red Bulls Defeated Santos FC 3-1 Saturday in Friendly Match Red Bull Arena Opening

The New York Red Bulls defeated Santos FC from Brazil 3-1 in a friendly exhibition match Saturday night as they christened their new arena. The sellout crowd was into it from beginning to end and were delighted when the Red Bulls took a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime. The MLS Commissioner was on hand during halftime and announced that a new five-year collective bargaining agreement was reached earlier in the day. The Red Bulls kept the pressure on the entire game and played a very physical style. To them it was more then an exhibition and the new head coach Hans Backe has said as much. In the 10th minute the Red Bulls Joel Lindpere scored on his own rebound, Red Bulls up 1-0. Mike Petke scored in the 43rd minute that started on a corner kick by Carl Robinson, Red Bulls up 2-0. Mac Kandji scored on a shot to the upper left corner of the net, Red Bulls up 3-0. Santos FC made many substitutions in the 2nd half with no ill effect to New York. Red Bull goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul made some excellent saves and was substituted with 10 minutes left in the match. Santos FC scored a goal in the closing minutes of the match to avoid the shutout. My Wife and I will attend the opening season match this Saturday night at 7:00 PM and I bet that will be a sellout as well.