New York Red Bulls 1, Montreal Impact 0 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Dylan Butler

Daniel Royer’s first MLS goal was the difference as the New York Red Bulls defeated the Montreal Impact, 1-0, at Red Bull Arena Saturday night to clinch a berth in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.

It is the Red Bulls' seventh consecutive appearance in the MLS postseason.

Royer broke the scoreless tie on the hour mark, latching onto a Chris Duvall cross and bouncing a downward header past goalkeeper Evan Bush from the edge of the six-yard box to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead.

The win extends the Red Bulls' unbeaten streak to 13 consecutive games and puts New York level on points with Toronto FC and New York City FC atop the Eastern Conference.

Both Toronto FC and NYCFC also clinched their postseason tickets with the Red Bulls victory.

Box Score

60’ – NY – Daniel Royer (Chris Duvall)
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Three Things

1. LUCKY NUMBERS: The numbers 13 and 7 are significant to the Red Bulls. With the win, the Red Bulls extended their club-best unbeaten streak to 13, dating back to a 2-0 loss to rival NYCFC on July 3. And with the victory, the Red Bulls clinched their seventh consecutive appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

2. NO BLOWN LEAD: Although there were some nervy moments late, the Red Bulls managed to make sure Royer's goal held up and didn't blow a late lead as was the case in their last two games. This time they locked things down defensively and goalkeeper Luis Robles earned his 10th clean sheet of the season.

3. PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP: While the Red Bulls are level on points with NYCFC and Toronto FC atop the Eastern Conference, with all three teams clinching a playoff berth on Saturday, the Montreal Impact find themselves in a fight to stay above the playoff red line after their third loss in their last four games. Montreal sits in 5th place, but just four points separate a pack of four teams battling for two spots.