One game in 100 words: Two of Major League Soccer’s top sides went head-to-head in this contest, and unsurprisingly, both outfits had their fair share of chances to grab the three points. But at almost every sequence where a score seemed imminent, adjustments were made to snuff out the attack, or clinical finishing was lacking. The end drew near, but the entertainment never concluded. Dallas pressed forward trying to snag the one goal needed to alter the game’s outcome, and New York’s steady defense was having none of it. The Red Bulls remain in the Eastern Conference’s third place, behind New England and D.C. United. Dallas is now tied on points with Western Conference leader Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Goals
Dallas: None
NY: None
Three moments that mattered
16’ — Lawrence rescues NYRB with block — Mauro Diaz played through an excellent ball to a sprinting Fabian Castillo, splitting the New York Red Bulls back line magnificently. Castillo was right on the edge of the six-yard box, ready to slot home a simple tap-in score, but defender Kemar Lawrence hustled hard to meet the speedy Columbian face-to-face. The chipped attempt on goal deflected off Lawrence’s chest and harmlessly dribbled out of bounds.
72’ — Felipe’s wonderful clearance — A regular cross into the box likely intended for forward Blas Perez sailed over the skilled Panamanian and dropped to the feet of substitute Michael Barrios. Taking a quick touch to the near post at his right, Barrios slammed a right-footed shot, one that flew past goalie Luis Robles. However, Felipe sat right in the middle of the net and rapidly swung his leg to clear away the endeavor.
78’ — Watson squanders golden chance — Of course, it was Diaz on the assisting effort, whipping a cross into the box that met the head of defender Je-Vaughn Watson. He was standing on the left side of the six-yard box, and if he could’ve directed his attempt away from the goalkeeper, Dallas would’ve had the late lead, putting the squad in a very favorable position to capture the victory. But the Jamaican’s header was hit at the center for a makable save.
Dallas: Blas Perez; Dan Kennedy; Je-Vaughn Watson, Walker Zimmerman, Matt Hedges, Moises Hernandez; Kellyn Acosta (Michel 84'), Victor Ulloa, Tesho Akindele (Michael Barrios 59'), Mauro Diaz, Fabian Castillo (Ryan Hollingshead 90'+1')
NY: Bradley Wright-Phillips; Luis Robles, Chris Duvall, Karl Ouimette, Damien Perrinelle, Kemar Lawrence; Dax McCarty, Felipe, Lloyd Sam (Sean Davis 79'), Sacha Kljestan, Mike Grella (Dane Richards 58')
