The New York Red Bulls came home splitting the two match road trip at DC & at San Jose during league play. They came home to Red Bull Arena for their second round qualifier against a depleted New England Revolution side that had just enough on the substitutes bench to play a competitive squad. It was a very energetic first half from both sides as they attacked at will, but New York had most of the possession and the run of play. There were times that some of the challenges were a bit hard and reckless, but referee Shane Moody made sure that he wouldn’t need to pull out the cards till Pat Phalen forced the yellow out of Moody’s shirt pocket in the 88th minute.

But the Red Bulls with many chances in the first half finally converted in the 36th minute as Brian Nielsen attacked and created all match long down the left flank and looped a ball towards the Revs area at Conor Chinn. Chinn’s first attempt was stopped by Pat Phalen, John Wolyniec had his chance stopped by Bob Shuttleworth, but the rebound was finally converted and it would by Red Bull up a goal to nil. The feeling around Red Bull Arena was that they should’ve been ahead by three or four goal, but when the second half got started, more goals would be coming

62nd minute and a free kick situation would be just outside the Revs area. After the whistle blew Brian Nielsen just laid off a nice soft pass and Sinisa Ubiparipovic ripped a low laser past everyone including Shuttleworth and it was two goals for New York. Two minutes later Red Bull on another attacking run and hungry to add a third. Ubiparipovic with a hard long rip that forced Bob Shuttleworth to make a one handed save, but the rebound was headed for a hustling Wolyniec and he roofed it top shelf. “We could’ve killed the game in the first half” said head coach Hans Backe. “There wasn’t alot of rhythm in the passing game, but when we got into the second half we were alot better”

Brian Nielsen who was brought in from the Danish league was a terror down the left flank and showed absolutely no mercy on the New England defenders.” I think Brian is showing about his pace” said Backe “His technique is good, he has a very good strike, and I think he will just improve game-by-game that’s for sure.”  For the Revolution it was a great effort against New York and it was a spirited match. Unfortunately with so many injuries to their first team players it wasn’t enough to either force extra time or convert one on the scoreboard.

For old reliable John Wolyniec he has come to play and he never disappoints the supporters. Sure he looked rusty out there since his last match was against the Philadelphia Union in the last Open cup Qualifier, but one thing is for sure. The man from Staten Island will always put his blood and guts on the line for his local side and is willing to do anything to get the result for the club. The clubs next and final opponent in US Open Cup Qualifying will be on Wednesday, May 26th against the Colorado Rapids at 8PM inside Red Bull Arena. The winner will advance to one of two spots remaining in Round 3 proper along with either DC United or Real Salt Lake.

Thursday, May 13th 9:00pm EDT – 6:00PM PDT

Feuerstein’s Fire US Open Cup Special one hour show
Re-Capping Red Bulls Vs Revolution Open Cup Qualifier
Hank Alexander Supporting the Revs will be my Guest at 9:00PM