In the latest edition of one of MLS' oldest rivalries, D.C. United picked up a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday evening at Audi Field. A first-half effort from Ola Kamara marked the game's only goal.
With the win, D.C. earned a new batch of bragging rights – in addition to picking up three points, the hosts overtook their Atlantic Cup rivals in the Eastern Conference standings. Neither side, though, occupies a playoff spot at the moment.
Both teams eased into the match, with the game's first shot coming after 27 minutes. That chance served as the game's first goal, allowing the hosts to take the lead. Julian Gressel won the ball off of RBNY defender Amro Tarek yards from the penalty area, and then made a pass from the right side of the box. Kamara made a run toward the penalty spot and scored from close range.
D.C. began to pose a more regular threat to New York's goal, but managed few meaningful opportunities. The host's best chance to go up 2-0 came when Drew Skundrich's header was saved by Carlos Coronel in the 40th minute. It still marked a stark contrast from the Red Bulls' performance, who ended the first half without a single shot despite dominating in possession.
RBNY rectified that early in the second half, with Dru Yearwood's 48th-minute shot from outside the box marking the team's first shot and Cristian Casseres Jr.'s 54th-minute opportunity from close range marking the team's first shot on goal. Still, the teams were goal-shy in the second half as they were in the first – Casseres Jr.'s shot was the only one on target, and Fabio's 89th-minute attempt ended a half-hour of play without a shot from either team.
Goals
- 27' - DC - Ola Kamara | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: A more clinical first half from D.C. United made all the difference in this match, but it wasn't a particularly impressive night for either side. Both teams lacked urgency and accuracy going forward – D.C. ended the game with two shots on goal, while the Red Bulls had only one.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Ola Kamara's 27th-minute goal provided one of the match's few highlights, featuring a smart play from Gressel for the assist.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Julian Gressel's eagerness led to the game's lone goal on a day where neither offense was at its sharpest. The former Atlanta United standout was bright throughout.
Next Up
- DC: Saturday, July 31 at FC Cincinnati | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- RBNY: Saturday, July 31 vs. New England Revolution | 6 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
