Red Bulls Shut Out Sporting KC 1-0 at Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls shut out visiting Sporting Kansas City 1-0 last night at the Cathedral of Football, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. On a beautiful evening my Wife and I ate a nice meal in the Ironbound Section of Newark before walking to the arena. The Red Bulls came in with a two-game winning streak and hopes were high for a third victory. In the 13th minute Dwayne De Rosario drew a foul in the penalty area that gave the Red Bulls a golden opportunity to take the early lead. Rafa Marquez, who took the penalty shot, tried to fake out the Sporting KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen but Nielsen dove to his left to make the stop. I was hoping for a blast to an upper-corner. Luke Rodgers started up top with Thierry Henry and scored the game winning goal in the 22nd minute, his third in the last three games. Defender Rafa Marquez, who was at midfield along the right side, flicked the ball to Dwayne De Rosario. DeRo crossed the ball from the right to Rodgers who was flying down the middle of the field towards the goal. Rodgers buried the ball into the back of the net and is quickly becoming a fan favorite at Red Bull Arena. Earlier in the game I told my Wife that I'd like to see #11 get more involved and sure enough DeRo did with a terrific assist. In the 32nd minute Rodgers charged the net looking to score his 2nd goal of the game off a rebound but instead missed and hit the Sporting KC goalkeeper with his foot after jumping over him. He drew a yellow card much to the displeasure of the home crowd. The Red Bull faithful let the keeper know how they felt each time he touched the ball the rest of the match. My Wife said the keeper was flat on his face, in pain, unable to move, until the yellow card came out. I thought a hockey fight would break out after the play. The Red Bulls could not capitalize on their other scoring chances in the 1st half but I'm very happy with the win. Rodgers was subbed off for Juan Agudelo to start the 2nd half. Red Bull defenders Tim Ream and Marquez had strong games as well as keeper Bouna “Bouna Time” Coundoul. The Red Bulls sit atop the Eastern Conference with 14 points, 4-1-2.