HARRISON, N.J. ā The New York Red Bulls were the better side early in Wednesdayās match against Orlando City, but there was frustration and it took them time to find the net.
They did eventually thanks to the unlikeliest of heroes.
In the 37th minute, a deflection off of a corner kick bounced to Connor Lade at the top of box. Lade, the Red Bullsā diminutive left back, buried the shot into the upper ninety and jumped into Mike Grellaās arms to celebrate.
āThis is definitely a special moment that Iāll always remember and Iām all smiles tonight,ā Lade said.
The goal was Lade's first in MLS, and stood as the winner in a 2-0 triumph at home over Orlando City that snapped the Red Bulls' four-game run without a victory.
āConnorās goal is really good,ā Red Bulls Coach Jesse Marsch said. āHe just slows down a little bit. Itās something weāve been talking about with our outside backs. In the attacking part of the field, slowing down a little, having a little bit of poise and coming up with more quality in final plays.ā
Lade was named Man of the Match at Red Bull Arena for his performance, which saw him whirl around the left side of the field and make an impact on defense in addition to scoring his impressive strike.
āIt was a long time coming,ā Lade said. āGlad to get that weight off my chest and really overall happy with the team tonight. I thought we put in a good shift.ā
Aside from the goal, Lade is part of a defense that has been stifling at Red Bull Arena. The win against Orlando was New Yorkās sixth straight shutout at home.
āConnor is awesome,ā Marsch said. āEvery time I get a question about Connor I love gushing about Connor because heās just the kind of guy that every coach loves to have. Heāll do whatever it takes. Heāll fight for his teammates. Heāll play any position. Heāll win his battle.
"I said he saved our season earlier in the year when he had some of these moments, when he's got a cut up on his eye, he's wearing some sort of Rambo headband ā and thatās who Connor is, and weāre very fortunate to have him.ā