New York Red Bulls 2, Chicago Fire 1 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Franco Panizo

Dax McCarty almost stole the show and a point in his return to Red Bull Arena, but the New York Red Bulls once again found a way at home.

The Red Bulls used a 71st-minute goal from Kemar Lawrence to beat the Chicago Fire, 2-1, in a tight Eastern Conference affair on Saturday night. The Fire had pulled level earlier in the second half after McCarty fed Nemanja Nikolic in impressive fashion, but Lawrence's slotted effort from the left proved to be the difference.

The highly anticipated match marked McCarty's first trip back to Red Bull Arena and first game against New York since they traded him to Chicago this past January.

Goals

37' – NY – Bradley Wright-Phillips Watch
59' – CHI – Nemanja Nikolic Watch
71' – NY – Kemar Lawrence Watch

Three Things

EMOTIONALLY CHARGED: This was not just any other game for Dax McCarty, and you could tell by the way he competed. Not only was McCarty his usual pesky and cerebral self as the blanket in front of the Chicago Fire back four. But he also demonstrated some individual attacking skill by weaving through a pair of defenders before unleashing a pass that he probably saw out of the corner of his eye. McCarty showed strong emotions in the celebration, but the happiness was short-lived, as the Red Bulls found a winner 12 minutes later.
IMPRESSIVE RUN: Using their trademark high press, the Red Bulls were able to close out their three-game homestand with a full nine points. New York were once again tough to break down at the back -- giving up their first goal at Red Bull Arena in MLS play this season when McCarty found Nikolic. They also took their chances in the attacking end well. This is looking more like the team that everyone has come to know during the past couple of years.
MAKING AMENDS: Kemar Lawrence had a golden chance in the first half to put the Red Bulls ahead, but he missed an open look from close range by skying it over the goal. The left back seemed to have learned his lesson with that play, as his next quality look in front of goal resulted in him keeping the ball on the grass and simply placing it to the far post.