By Sylvana Budesheim // @WhiteZinWench
New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union
FT: 0-3
It’s Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer. Usually we’re partying, traveling to see family and friends, and thinking about the contributions of the American workforce to our society.
This year, we may not be doing any of those things. Indoor dining has only just reopened in this part of the country, the pandemic is still keeping many people home, and unemployment is taking an increasingly heavy toll across the nation. A lot of folks could use a distraction. That is why sport is here. The New York Red Bulls welcomed the Philadelphia Union to Red Bull Arena on Sunday to liven up the weekend.
Meet the New Boss
This was the first match with interim coach Bradley Carnell at the helm. The South African International played over 300 professional matches in his career, many of them in the Bundesliga, before becoming an assistant coach and joining RBNY in 2017. With manager Chris Armas’s departure, Carnell was the obvious choice to succeed him. Will he become the newest head coach in MLS? That remains to be seen.
Just Like Yesterday
The first half hour went by in a blink. New York had their passing game going and there were a couple of good chances for them. Play was physical and there was significant stoppage due to the number of times trainers had to take the field to check on players. It really seemed that the half would end in a stalemate.
Except…That Brendan Aaronson kid is good. He’s fast– and he scores (36′). He’s getting attention from teams in Europe, which is high praise. He caught the Red Bull defense sleeping.
The World Looks Just the Same
And again in the second half. Kacper Pryzbylko found space in the 68′ and got the ball past Ryan Meara. Then, Matt Real joined in the Philly party (78′). While the Union openly call Red Bull their rivals, the feeling has not seemed very mutual. Like the other regional opponent NYCFC, it takes a couple of bad results to build that dislike I…uh… I think we’re getting there.
Smile and Grin at the Change
I was glad to see Dru Yearwood take the field for the first time as a Red Bull. It should be the start of many changes coming down the pike for RBNY. It’s not going to be pretty, that’s all I know for sure. But I am sure that I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution.
Featured image: @NewYorkRedBulls
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