just the second time in MLS history that had happened -- as Richie Williams was still in charge of the Red Bulls until after the All-Star break, while Brian Bliss was in his first game in charge of the Wizards after the midweek resignation of Bob Gansler, the longest-tenured head coach in MLS history.
The game's lone goal came in the 25th minute. Marvell Wynne sent Seth Stammler free on the right flank, and drove in a rolling cross where Mike Magee got it ahead of a defender to stab it home inside the near post.
It was the third consecutive victory by shutout for New York -- the first time that's happened since the inaugural season of 1996 -- and for the Wizards, a seventh consecutive loss.
Williams made one change to the team that defeated the Columbus Crew 2-0 at Crew Stadium at midweek. With the transfer of Jean Philippe Peguero seemingly pending, he was not in the starting lineup, and Todd Dunivant made his first start since being acquired from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Here Williams' team (4-3-1-2): Jon Conway - Marvell Wynne, Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke, Todd Dunivant - Seth Stammler, Danny O'Rourke, Chris Henderson (Jerrod Laventure 72) - Amado Guevara - Mike Magee, Edson Buddle (Steve Jolley 90). [Substitutes Not Used: Josmer Altidore, Michael Behonick, Taylor Graham, Elie Ikangu, Joe Vide]
"A win is a win and I'm very happy for the guys because they worked their tails off. We had a game on Wednesday so obviously the guys were a little tired and beat up and nursing some injuries so considering that we went out and did a really good job," Williams said. "I thought we were working hard defensively and we got the goal we needed. The game wasn't perfect but they did what they needed to do to come out with three points."TEAM NEWS
One week ago, the Red Bulls sat in last place in the Eastern Conference. But after two victories -- and getting a new coach -- they now sit in third place. "I think even before we got that win two games ago things had started to change on a confidence level," said Mike Magee. "We were attacking well and the problem was we would give up lackadaisical goals early in the game. Once we knocked those out and got that win it just gave us that boost of confidence we needed and we've been rolling ever since."
Magee was given the start in attack alongside Edson Buddle as Jean Philippe Peguero was held out of the team, reportedly while his transfer to Brondby IK of Denmark is completed. "I've been comfortable out wide at midfield but the team needed a forward and I've played there before in my rookie year," Magee said. "Any way I can get out on the field, any time I can contribute to the team to help get three points is all I'm looking for right now."
Said Williams: "You show up and you have guys like Mike Magee and Edson Buddle and you say to them that you have confidence in them. They have been training hard and doing well and we have confidence you're going to go out and score goals. We hate to see Peguero go because he's done well for us and he's been a good person but we wish him the best and we hope he does very well."
That also meant a first start in a Red Bulls uniform for Todd Dunivant - who saved the match late when he cleared a shot off the line.
"He was great. He was very good with the ball and he obviously did very well defending. He was a little tired at the end because he hadn't played a full 90 minutes yet but he did really well for us," Williams said. "I asked him as the second half wound down how he was doing fitness-wise and with his quad and he said there were no problems and he was fighting through it."
It was a third shutout in a row for Jon Conway in between the posts, who has never lost in New York as a starter (4-0-1). Tony Meola is expected to be available for the Dynamo match.
"Anytime I play I want to win games, that's the point," Conway said. "It's not my decision, it's a coach's decision and whatever goes, goes. I just go in and do my job and I think I've been doing that. Obviously I don't think it's fair for a person to lose their position due to injury so we'll see how it goes."
Williams will resume his assistant coach duties after Saturday's game, with Bruce Arena taking over day-to-day management following the All-Star break.
"We've been talking a little about the games but he hasn't told me who to play; we've talked about soccer just as we would and things that would be going on with the Red Bulls," Williams said. "I think it helps knowing Bruce [Arena] is going to be here a long time. The players know he's committed to winning championships and getting this going in the right direction. I think it does help them feel a little more comfortable and a little more at ease."
