Credit: Mark Thor / Orlando SC
Red Bulls and Orlando City SC Battle in Physical 2-2 Draw
Published: Sunday, March 16, 2025
by Kyle Ferreira
HARRISON, N.J - The New York Red Bulls (1-1-2) drew Orlando City SC (1-2-1), 2-2, in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch Saturday afternoon.
The first three matches of the Red Bulls season, while impressive defensively, have lacked the offensive firepower other teams in MLS have displayed. With only two goals recorded coming in - both scored vs Nashville SC - it was necessary vs an Orlando City squad ranked third in goals.
But the first 30 minutes wasn’t all positive for New York. In a physically demanding game, one that saw 23 combined fouls after the full 90 minutes, fans questioned some of the officials’ calls. Orlando would also strike first off a beautiful strike from Martin Ojeda in the 18th minute.
Fans have been speculating how new signee, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, would perform given he had not found the back of the net this season. With a penalty kick awarded to the Red Bulls following a VAR decision, Choupo-Moting knocked it in to tie it at one.
Midfielder Peter Stroud was elated about his new teammate earning his first goal in MLS.
“I think everyone is rooting for him,” Stroud proclaimed. “I’m happy for him.”
But the goal scoring continued for Orlando in the 39th minute when their leading scorer Marco Pasalic notched his third goal of the season. 2-1 would be the score heading into halftime.
For New York, the start of the second half needed to be excellent in order for them to get back in the match. Midfielder Dennis Gjengaar understood the assignment loud and clear. With key injuries plaguing the squad currently, Gjengaar stepped up massively and netted in his first goal this season to tie it at two.
The next 15 minutes that followed demonstrated that this New York squad can be great in the final third. Captain Emil Forsberg was terrific in creating opportunities for his teammates to score. However, nothing was entering the net and with New York failing to capitalize, Orlando was able to counter with great opportunities of their own.
From the 60th minute to the 70th minute, Orlando had their chances to retake the lead. Whether it was from Pasalic or Ojeda, Orlando had their moments, but nothing prevailed for them.
The game continued to be an aggressive and physical fight, one that resulted in four total yellow cards issued - three towards New York.
However, in the 85th minute, Gjengaar almost sealed the victory for New York with an incredible shot. Unfortunately, his shot hit the left post and from there, New York struggled to generate anything late.
It would take a few incredible saves from goalkeeper Carlos Coronel in stoppage time to help earn New York a point in this one. After the 2-2 result concluded, head coach Sandro Schwarz was disappointed in the final ten minutes of the contest.
“After the game, I’m thinking more about the last ten minutes.” Schwarz said.
Even with a strong 30 minutes to start the second half, Schwarz emphasized the final ten minutes being a key reason for the result.
“I said this directly to our guys in the locker room, what I don’t like is how we played the last ten minutes.”
The Red Bulls continue their homestand next Saturday when they take on Toronto FC. Orlando City SC will head home to take on DC United next Saturday.
Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,