The New York Red Bulls earned a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena, climbing back into first place in the Eastern Conference with goals from Lloyd Sam and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Luis Robles made four saves to earn his 10th win of the year, and 47th of his New York career, putting him just one win behind Tony Meola for the franchise record.
Sam and Wright-Phillips struck just nine minutes apart to help New York overcome an early goal from Columbus. The Red Bulls are now 15-9-6, and 10-3-2 at home. New York now sits atop the Supporter’s Shield standings, at least for the night, with 51 points. It is the third win of the year for the Red Bulls when allowing the first goal (3-5-5).
With 10 wins at Red Bull Arena the Red Bulls are now just one off the franchise record for home wins in a season. The club has won 11 home matches twice, in 2012 and 2013.
Columbus opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a goal from Justin Meram. Columbus’ Harrison Afful put a low pass into traffic for Meram, whose shot was partially blocked and looped over the head of Red Bulls’ goalkeeper Luis Robles.
The Red Bulls responded minutes later with a goal from Lloyd Sam. Winger Mike Grella caused a turnover in the Columbus end and put a pass toward goal that was blocked and fell to Sacha Kljestan. Kljestan then found a lane to Sam inside the penalty area, and the Englishman finished for his ninth of the season.
Sam’s nine goals are second-most on the team behind Wright-Phillips. It was the team-leading 12th assist of the season for Kljestan, putting him one off his MLS career high. Kljestan remains red hot, and now has 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in his last 15 games.
New York then capitalized on another turnover in the 21st minute, with pressure from Grella and Wright-Phillips causing an errant pass from Crew SC ‘keeper Steve Clark. Connor Lade jumped on the loose ball and charged toward goal before putting in a cross for Wright-Phillips to head home.
The goal was the 15th of the season for Wright-Phillips, putting him in a tie for fifth in MLS with Chris Wondolowski. It was also the sixth game-winner of the season, putting him in a tie with Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco and New York City FC’s David Villa for second-most in the league, one behind Columbus’ Kei Kamara.
It is the first assist of the season for Lade, and the fourth of his career. Lade recorded three helpers during his rookie campaign in 2012.
New York took the 2-1 lead into the locker room. The Red Bulls are now 10-2-0 on the season when leading at the half, including a perfect 8-0-0 mark at home.
Robles made a diving save to deny a drive from Federico Higuain in the 75th minute. The goalkeeper continues in his record-setting season, having already passed Meola’s all-time shutout record. Robles also made his 103rd consecutive league start in the win over Columbus.
New York closes out a three-game home stand on Wednesday evening with a match against the Montreal Impact. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on MSG and Red Bulls Radio.
