NY Red Bulls defeat Club Tijuana’s
The New York Red Bulls ventured south to Club Tijuana’s Estadio Caliente on Tuesday night and did what precious few MLS teams have done in the league’s annals of 2018 CONCACAF Champions League participation: bagged a full three points on the road against Mexican opposition.
Bradley Wright-Phillips pounced on a glaring defensive error by Damian Perez in the opening minutes to carve out a precious early lead for the visitors from close range. Then goalkeeper Luis Robles proceeded to stand on his proverbial head over the ensuing 80 or so minutes, making a scarcely-believable 13 saves to deny the Xolos time and time again amid heavy pressure.
And as Robles turned himself into a brick wall at one end, BWP continued to lurk at the other, popping up in the Tijuana penalty box to double RBNY’s stunning away advantage to 2-0 with a clinical finish in the 67th minute.
The two clubs will conclude their quarterfinal series in Leg 2 at Red Bull Arena on Tuesday, March 13 (8 p.m. ET | UDN, go90.com | TICKETS), the Red Bulls carrying a commanding 2-0 aggregate advantage home to North Jersey, where they also open their league campaign vs. Portland over the weekend.
Goals
9′ – RBNY – Bradley Wright-Phillips |
67′ – RBNY – Bradley Wright-Phillips |
