The New York Red Bulls returned to winning ways on Wednesday after a tough loss last week to D.C. United, beating the Chicago Fire 1-0 at Red Bull Arena.
Despite holding distinct playing styles, the teams traded chances for much of the night. New York held the lion's share of the ball, but had difficulty fully breaking down the Fire, while Chicago tried to hit when they could on the counterattack.
The Red Bulls found the breakthrough just before the hour mark, as Lloyd Sam received a backheel pass from Bradley Wright-Phillips and sent a square pass in the box to Mike Grella, who coolly finished the shot to make it 1-0.
Box Score
- 58' – NY – Mike Grella (Lloyd Sam, Bradley Wright-Phillips)
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Three Things
- ONE SHOT: The Red Bulls had an opportunity to grab three points in between two rivalry games (last week to D.C., this weekend vs. NYCFC). They not only did that, but gutted out a victory against a compact Fire defense. It was not their most aesthetically beautiful performance of the season, but they did what they had to, scoring on their only shot on target and instilling confidence ahead of the big Heineken Rivalry Week clash on Saturday against NYCFC (3 pm ET, FOX).
- DEJA VU FOR CHICAGO: The loss marked the Fire's 30th consecutive league road game without a victory, extending the league record. Even with Sean Johnson getting his first start of the season, the tide didn't turn for Chicago, who will hope a return home will help change their fortunes on Saturday against Houston (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
- IRON MAN PUSHES ON: Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles already holds the record for most consecutive full games played in MLS history, a mark he set earlier this season. On Wednesday, he tied Chris Klein for most consecutive MLS games started, at 118. So the record will be his on Saturday if he gets the nod -- something that seems pretty likely.
Next Up
- NY: Saturday, May 21 at New York City (3 pm ET, FOX, TSN2)
- CHI: Saturday, May 21 vs. Houston (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE)
