Jack Harrison scored his seventh goal of the season and Ben Sweat headed in the first of his MLS career to lift New York City FC to a 2-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls and their first-ever points at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.
Sweat also provided the final assist on Harrison's goal as NYCFC won their third straight in the league and improved to 2-6-0 in all competitions against the Red Bulls in the New York Derby's three-year history.
Less than two weeks after the Red Bulls' Open Cup victory at NYCFC, the hosts were outshot 13-10 and 6-1 in terms of efforts on target as they were shut out for a fourth time in eight league matches.
Goals
Three Things
- SWEAT INEQUITY: After playing only in the lower divisions of the US league pyramid during his first three pro seasons, the 25-year-old Sweat emerged as an unlikely derby hero in just his ninth MLS appearance. His simple layoff set up Harrison’s curler to the far post. Then he emerged at the back post to head Alexander Ring’s long diagonal free kick over Luis Robles and inside the right post.
- A LONG WAY FROM HERE: Harrison’s first goal at Red Bull Arena came one year, one month and three days after his MLS debut, when the then-19-year-old played 33 minutes in a miserable 7-0 home loss to the Red Bulls on May 21, 2016. Since that time, Harrison has scored 11 times in MLS. His two career goals against the Red Bulls rivals tie him with Thomas McNamara for the franchise lead.
- DIRTY-WORK DAVID: Superstar forward David Villa may not have gotten on the score sheet, but he still played a pivotal role for NYCFC with his hold-up and transition play. His best moment may have come three minutes before halftime when he nutmegged Tyler Adams while eluding other defenders, then found Yangel Herrera for a dipping strike that forced Robles into one of his four saves.
Next Up
- New York Red Bulls: Wednesday, June 28 vs Philadelphia Union (U.S. Open Cup) (8 pm ET)
- New York City FC: Thursday, June 29 vs Minnesota United FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE)
