HARRISON – The New York Red Bulls (12-14-7) concluded their final home match of the season Saturday with a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati (19-9-5). Cincinnati completed the season sweep of New York after defeating them 1-0 at the start of the season back in February.
For the first time in a long time, the month of October felt empty for New York. Following their elimination from playoff contention on Tuesday thanks to a Chicago Fire FC win, there wasn’t much to play for.
Red Bulls manager Sandro Schwarz did emphasize Thursday the importance of eclipsing last season’s points mark of 47. Given who they would have to face on the pitch Saturday, that was a challenge they would have to overcome.
Cincinnati entering the match was sitting second in the Supporters’ Shield standings with 59 points. Add on the fact that if the Philadelphia Union were to win vs New York City FC, the Union would clinch the Shield. The pressure was certainly on for the visiting side from “the Buckeye State.”
That pressure turned into diamonds 12 minutes in for Cincinnati. Forward Kevin Denkey took a beautiful shot from way outside the 18-yard box and gave “The Orange and Blue” the 1-0 lead.
From New York’s point of view, it wasn’t the fact that they didn’t have great moments to capitalize as they had a few chances in the first half. Rather, Cincinnati made the defensive plays when they needed to. This brought elation to the small group of Cincinnati supporters in the upper bowl.
New York did find a groove as the second half of action commenced. Whether it was midfielder Emil Forsberg or forward Eric Choupo-Moting, the Red Bulls did everything they could to level the match. Again, however, Cincinnati stayed firm in their defensive-third.
But that nearly changed at the 83rd minute when the Red Bulls had two perfect opportunities to convert. First, midfielder Wiki Carmona blasted a shot that hit the right post. Then, it was deja vu seconds later when youngster Julian Hall hit the right post, leaving the scoreline still at 1-0.
Hall would then miss a header off a corner kick at the 89th minute. When it was all said and done, the Red Bulls registered 17 shots, but only two were on goal.
“Of course, we are very disappointed,” Schwarz told the media following the match. “What I can say today from our group, from the whole team, also from the subs and also from the guys who didn’t play, for me, they showed really good character today because it’s not so easy when you go, when you concede the first goal. But the way how we played today, in my opinion, was very well.”
“We didn’t get the result we wanted tonight, but I think we played really well in terms of playing and dominating the game,” defender Tim Parker said postgame. “Overall, I think the guys fought really hard and played really well, but we just didn’t have the final product.”
Even with Cincinnati earning the win, Philadelphia got the job done vs NYCFC Saturday, resulting in the Union receiving the Shield.
The Red Bulls will conclude their season in Ohio on October 18 when they take on the Columbus Crew on Decision Day. Kickoff for that match is set for 6 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
