Union shut out Red Bulls for second straight win
HARRISON, N.J. - It's too small of a sample size to say whether the Union have turned their fortunes around, but for the first time this year they have earned consecutive victories.
HARRISON, N.J. - It's too small of a sample size to say whether the Union have turned their fortunes around, but for the first time this year they have earned consecutive victories.
After they were dominated in a scoreless first half, the Union strung together second-half goals by Vincent Nogueira and C.J. Sapong in a stunning 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls Sunday at Red Bull Arena.
Although that improves the Union to only 3-7-3, the two wins have come against two of the Eastern Conference's top teams. Last week the Union beat first-place D.C. United (6-2-4) and this time it was the formidable Red Bulls (4-2-5).
Andrew Wenger got things started on the first goal with a back pass to Cristian Maidana, who was at the top of the box. Maidana sent a shot to the far post that was tipped in by Nogueira for his second goal of the season in the 57th minute.
The Union are 3-3-2 with Maidana and Nogueira both in the lineup this season. Each has missed time because of injury. "Vincent is a very good player on the ball and together we play well," Maidana said through an interpreter.
The goal came three minutes after Sapong was inserted into the game for his first action since he was charged with DUI and reckless driving on May 1. Sapong had missed the previous three games.
In the 62d minute, the Union scored as Sapong tipped in Fabinho's pass to the far post. Fabinho, who played a solid game from his left back spot, made a steal, dribbled up field, sent one pass to Maidana and then after the return, fed Sapong. It was Sapong's second goal this season.
"Mistakes provide opportunities for growth and ultimately perspective," Sapong said. "My perspective on everything expanded a little bit more the last couple of weeks, so stepping on the field there was a lot of hunger and it was pretty emotional."
With outside defender Ray Gaddis out with an ankle injury, Fabinho was a force at left back.
"It was his best game as a Union player," coach Jim Curtin said.
In the 75th minute, Union keeper Brian Sylvestre made a kick save on what looked liked sure goal by Bradley Wright-Phillips.
The Union's top defender, Maurice Edu, missed the game because of yellow card accumulation. In his absence the defense was severely tested, with the Red Bulls hitting the post twice in the first half.
In the 27th minute, Felipe's low shot from the top of the box hit the left post.
Michael Grella curled a shot from the left end line that hit off the right post in the 45th minute.
The Union came out a different team in the second half and one has to wonder if they departed Red Bull Arena a different one as well.
@sjnard