A week after scoring his first career goal in MLS, Jan Gunnar Solli found the back of the net again in the opening minutes of the New York Red Bulls’ match vs. Toronto FC.
Then, in a blink of an eye, Solli was partially at fault for allowing Toronto to find an equalizer.
GOAL: Solli finishes cross
Solli endured a mixed day at the office for the Red Bulls in their 1-1 draw with Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday, playing a role in both goal-scoring sequences. Solli got on the end of a Brandon Barklage cross and fired home a one-timed effort in the fourth minute, but followed that with a defensive lapse that resulted in potent Toronto forward Danny Koevermans heading home a corner kick unmarked two minutes later, erasing the Red Bulls’ early lead and swinging momentum back in the hosts’ favor.
“I’ll take my part of the blame for that goal,” Solli told reporters after the match. “It should never happen. Koevermans gets up way too easy. It’s my responsibility to cover him, so I’m not happy with that performance.”
Solli's second career MLS goal came in the fouth minute, a point-blank volley after Barklage drifted in a cross from his spot on the right side of the Red Bulls backline. Solli also scored in New York's 3-2 win over D.C. United last weekend.
“When you first score the first goal, you kind of get a little bit more offense,” said Solli. “When Brandon gets the ball, all I could think of is just getting into the box.”
Even though the Red Bulls coughed up the early lead and setted for a draw, getting a result on the road against a resurgent Toronto FC squad under new head coach Paul Mariner is still a point the team will gladly take.
“I would say on the road and with a team that has definitely bounced back, I can live with one point,” said Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe.
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at Franco8813@gmail.com.
