Red Bulls find chances, but fail to convert in goalless tie against Cincinnati
HARRISON, N.J. — A hard-fought 90 minutes in Harrison left both teams goalless as the New York Red Bulls drew FC Cincinnati 0-0.
Despite Cincinnati鈥檚 identity as one of the weakest defenses in the league, the Red Bulls ended up with just a point, unable to complete one of their many chances.
Cincinnati has given up 29 goals this season, second-most in the MLS behind struggling Toronto FC.聽 They also allow 15.80 shots per 90 minutes, second only behind Austin FC (16.07).
New York鈥檚 offense was able to take advantage and find its chances, but it simply could not finish.
In the end, the Red Bulls tallied 23 shots, their most in any game this season, and seven shots on target, which is tied for their most in a game. Despite this, they failed to convert.
鈥淔rom the result side, we are very disappointed and frustrated.鈥� Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber said.
Amongst the many shots was a 50th minute attempt from Cristian Casseres Jr. which rebounded directly to Wikelman Carmona, who missed the follow up despite strong positioning.
Moments later, in the 53rd minute, it was again Casseres creating a chance for New York off a free kick sent to the top right corner, only to have the shot impressively saved by Cincinnati keeper Kenneth Vermeer.聽
In an extremely physical match which resulted in five yellow cards and 28 total fouls, it was the times the whistle wasn鈥檛 blown that were most memorable.
In the 63rd minute, Caden Clark went down in the box, but no penalty was awarded to the American winger.聽
In the 68th minute, another Red Bull went down in their opponents box, this time substitute forward Tom Barrow. Again, no call was made.
Cincinnati鈥檚 attack got its best chance in stoppage time in the first half, when a corner swung in from the left found the head of Nick Hagglund.聽
Sent to the far corner, an impressive save from NY鈥檚 Brazilian goalkeeper kept the game scoreless headed into the half.
After that chance, Cincinnati was kept relatively quiet, finishing with just two shots on target.
The Red Bulls struggled with link play from defense to midfield, often failing to find a decent pass and sending a long ball right on to the head of a Cincinnati defender.
In the second half, however, this was less detrimental since the majority of New York鈥檚 possession came in its opponents half.
An extremely physical Cincinnati defense withstood the pressure however, keeping the game drawn 0-0.聽
Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel kept his fifth clean sheet of the year, winning their man of the match award.
New York has now mustered just one point in back-to-back home games, and just three points in its last five games.聽
They will head out on the road to Chicago to play the 13th place Fire on Sunday.
