HARRISON, N.J.ā The path to the Eastern Conference Championship for the New York Red Bulls was a route taken down the wings.
Daniel Royer and Alex Muyl were dutiful navigators, driving a 3-0 win over Columbus Crew SC on Sunday night, good for a 3-1 aggregate win. Muyl opened the scoring on in the first half, deflecting Aaron Long's shot from a trademark well-worked set-piece routine. Royer then netted the series-clinching and insurance goals within three minutes of each other in the second half, the first a clinical finish from 12 yards out and the second a powerful strike from 20 yards.
āI did know weād be better attacking this game,ā Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips said after the match. āWe needed a hero and Danny stepped up today.ā
Royerās 11 goals was second-highest on the team during the regular season, trailing only Wright-Phillipsā 20. He understands the importance of a multidimensional attack.
āWe canāt just always give [Wright-Phillips] the pressure of scoring goals,ā Royer said. āAll of us, weāre trying to help him out. It makes me happy and it makes the entire team happy that sometimes we can take the pressure off his shoulders.ā
Royer and Muyl did more than just take the pressure of Wright-Phillips against Crew SC and it was just how head coach Chris Armas drew it up.
āTonight, the emphasis tonight was to attack the flanks,ā Armas said. āAnd we did. The wide play was great.ā
Armas wasnāt shocked in the slightest that Muyl stepped up for the team because of his mentality.
āWe talk about being fearless, it helps if you put guys on the field that are fearless,ā Armas said. āHe doesnāt back down from the moment, heās up for it all the time. Weāve seen that in him the last few years. Alex also tactically understands how weāre pressing, his specific role, how he fits into the team. Itās so important.ā
As for Royer, his two goals sent Red Bull Arena into a frenzy. He was substituted in the 84th minute to a well-deserved roar from the crowd. The Austrian took his time exiting the pitch, sure to reciprocate the fans' applause.
But the praise didnāt stop there, as his teammates were effusive when discussing his heroics in the locker room.
āIn the box Dannyās very clinical,ā Wright-Phillips said. āIf people had to guess, this is an area theyād probably say Iām the best finisher. If I could choose anyone, Iād put Danny with a chance in the box.ā
Royer wouldnāt even entertain that conversation when it comes to the teamās best finisher.
āCome on, seriously, he scores so many goals. ā¦ Bradley: humble as we know him,ā Royer said with a smile.