Red Bull New York survived a relentless second-half push from Orlando City SC to claim a pulsating 3-2 Major League Soccer victory at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.
Mijahir Ameth Jiménez Murillo was the difference-maker for the hosts, scoring in the 23rd and 60th minutes, while Emil Forsberg added a composed finish in the 43rd minute as Red Bull built a two-goal halftime advantage.
New York made their early pressure count when Jiménez Murillo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. The hosts continued to threaten despite Orlando enjoying more of the ball, and Forsberg doubled the lead two minutes before the interval to send Red Bull into the break 2-0 ahead.
Orlando emerged with greater urgency after halftime and found a route back into the contest through Tyrese Spicer, whose header in the 52nd minute cut the deficit in half. The visitors had possession and attacking volume on their side, finishing with 59.5 percent of the ball and 21 shots, but Red Bull remained dangerous in transition.
Jiménez Murillo restored the home side’s two-goal cushion in the 60th minute, completing his brace and giving New York a crucial response just as Orlando’s momentum had begun to build. Orlando refused to fade, however, as Griffin Dorsey struck in the 63rd minute to make it 3-2 and set up a tense final half-hour.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser through a lengthy stoppage-time period, but Red Bull’s defensive resolve held firm. New York finished with eight shots on target from 18 attempts, compared with Orlando’s seven on target from 21, illustrating how efficiently the home side turned their opportunities into goals.
The result gives Red Bull New York a valuable home win, while Orlando City will rue an energetic attacking display that ultimately fell just short after conceding three times.
Goals
- Red Bull New York: Mijahir Ameth Jiménez Murillo 23′, 60′
- Red Bull New York: Emil Forsberg 43′
- Orlando City SC: Tyrese Spicer 52′
- Orlando City SC: Griffin Dorsey 63′
