Red Bulls’ Last-Minute Offensive Flurry Leads to Draw at Home

Published: Saturday, September 7, 2024

by Jackson Shank

HARRISON, N.J. – Despite numerous opportunities in the first half, the New York Red Bulls couldn’t find the back of the net until the 89th minute in their 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City.

It was a back-and-forth contest, with both sides physically battling through an overcast night in Harrison. The Red Bulls found themselves relying on their youngest star in a nail-biter against a Sporting team clawing its way out of the basement in the Western Conference.

Forward Elias Manoel had two wide-open chances in the first half that would come back to haunt the Red Bulls, who were hoping to defend their home field. In the 35th minute, Kansas City’s Khiry Shelton committed a foul, leading to an advantage play by the referee. Manoel found himself all alone just inside the top of the box, but sliced his shot to the right of the post.

Moments later, in the 47th minute, Kansas City’s Robert Castellanos conceded a corner to New York. Manoel had another chance, but failed to control the ball, as a hard touch in open space led to a rushed left-footed shot, which again went wide right. Both teams went into the locker room scoreless at halftime.

After generating just one shot in the first half, Kansas City came out aggressive in the second. Their persistence paid off as Alan Pulido scored his fifth goal of the season in the 55th minute on a lofted through ball, giving Sporting a 1-0 lead.

The Red Bulls’ struggles didn’t end there, as Kansas City continued to dominate possession, leading to more chances. In the 62nd minute, Erik Thommy slipped past the Red Bulls' backline and fired a right-footed shot, but his premature run caused the goal to be disallowed for offside. Red Bulls keeper Ryan Meara also made an incredible punch save under the crossbar in the 70th minute to keep the score at 1-0.

With New York down to their final eight minutes, their 16-year-old forward, the second-youngest player in MLS, stepped up. A lofted through ball from 25 yards out found Julian Hall, who delivered a brilliant soft touch and placed a perfect shot into the bottom left corner for his second goal of the season. Reflecting on the goal, Hall said, “It was a big moment for the team... I just tried to make the most of the chances I get... it’s just instinct for me to keep my eyes on the ball and try to put it away.” Despite his young age, Hall has been a standout in MLS, and his confidence and ability have earned him opportunities with the first team and a strong case to stay there.

New York remains in fourth place in the Eastern Conference after the draw, while Sporting Kansas City stays 12th in the West. The Red Bulls, looking to make a deep playoff run, have six matches left, beginning with Chicago Fire FC next Saturday, September 14th.

Jackson Shank can be reached at jackson.shank@student.shu.edu. 

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