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In a commanding performance on Wednesday night, the New York Red Bulls secured a 4-1 victory over D.C. United, with standout contributions from Cameron Harper and Lewis Morgan, who each netted crucial goals early in the second half. The win marks New York's (6-2-5) place in MLS history as the ninth team to score at least nine goals in consecutive away matches against a single club.
The match began with a slow first half, but New York broke the deadlock in stoppage time. Elias Manoel opened the scoring, seizing on a long pass from Frankie Amaya. Manoel deftly outpaced the defense and launched a precise shot over an out-of-position Alex Bono, giving New York a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Red Bulls extended their lead just minutes into the second half. In the 52nd minute, Harper skillfully navigated past his defender in the box and delivered a shot inside the far post, making it 2-0. Harper came close to a second goal shortly after, but Bono's kick save deflected the ball into Morgan's path, who tapped it into the empty net for his ninth goal of the season.
Reflecting on his performance, Harper shared,
"It's great to contribute to the team's success. Scoring in consecutive games is a confidence booster, and we're all playing with a lot of momentum right now."
D.C. United (4-4-5) found a glimmer of hope in the 65th minute when Lucas Bartlett headed in a corner kick, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, any chance of a comeback was quashed in stoppage time. Substitute Cory Burke capitalized on a defensive error near midfield, adding an insurance goal and sealing the 4-1 win for the Red Bulls.
Manoel's contributions were instrumental throughout the match, not only scoring but also assisting on Harper's goal. His stunning 35-yard half-volley just before halftime was a highlight, showcasing his exceptional skill and instinct.
"It's always rewarding to see hard work pay off on the field," said Manoel. "The assist from Frankie [Amaya] was perfect, and it feels great to help the team in multiple ways."
Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel also played a pivotal role in New York's victory, making four critical saves, including a notable stop in the 82nd minute to deny Christian Benteke a 12th goal that would have given him the MLS scoring lead.
D.C. United struggled defensively, conceding three or more goals at home for the third time this season. Despite their efforts, they couldn't close the gap, and New York's relentless attack proved too much to handle.
With this win, the Red Bulls have now won three consecutive matches in their all-time series against D.C. United, showcasing their dominance in recent encounters. The victory also marks New York's second set of back-to-back wins this season, bolstering their position in the league standings with 23 points.
As the season progresses, the Red Bulls will look to maintain their winning streak and continue their strong performances both at home and on the road.
