The game in 100 words (or less): First things first, let’s get this out of the way: the New York Red Bulls are an utter disaster at the moment. More specifically, the Red Bulls’ defense is an out-of-control dumpster fire which was, somehow, stabilized after injuries to both starting center backs in Saturday’s truly memorable 4-3 victory over the Houston Dynamo (three injuries in all, all hamstrings, all before the 55th minute) at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, picking up their first point of the 2016 season in the process. In fairness to the defenders of RBNY, just about every defender on the field had an absolute shocker (whiffs on simple clearances galore - below videos), but it’s the home side that are the defending Supporters’ Shield winners and expected contenders for the Shield and MLS Cup this season. The loss of Matt Miazga has hit him hard, and Gideon Baah is…well, he’s taking a while to settle in, and it’s something to keep an eye on for the rest of the season. But, for now, scroll on down and click the Play button on all of the below videos. Breathe it all in, for Chicago Fire 0-0 Columbus Crew SC, it wasn’t.
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Three Four Five Six moments that mattered
22' — Kljestan puts RBNY on the board for first time this year — When you’ve gone scoreless for the first 202 minutes of the season, you don’t really care about style points so much as finally getting off the mark. DaMarcus Beasley will care about that shocking whiff on the clearance, but Kljestan and the Red Bulls will take it all day long.
They'll take it. @SachaKljestan buries @NewYorkRedBulls' first goal of the season. #NYvHOU https://t.co/BBNMZtIx72
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2016
35' — Bruin gets in behind, lifts it over Robles for 1-1 — Speaking of shocking whiffs by a defender, check out Kemar Lawrence as the last man back against Will Bruin. That’s, uh, sub-optimal, to say the least.
What a lovely finish from @wbruin. #NYvHOU https://t.co/NcTdePFcw6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2016
41' — Bruin slots home with ease for 2-1 — Speaking of spectacular whiffs on clearances by a defender, check out Ronald Zubar as the only man standing between Bruin, the ball and the goal. That’s, uh, truly horrific.
65' — Alex finishes far post after beautiful build-up — Boniek Garcia and Leonel Miranda worked a beautiful one-two to spring the latter into space atop the Red Bulls’ penalty area. Garcia fed Alex Lima a bit more centrally, and the Brazilian finished with precision to hit back two minutes after Mike Grella equalized for RBNY.
The buildup. The finish. Alex scores in style for @HoustonDynamo. #NYvHOU https://t.co/E8Mz8r58zZ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 20, 2016
77' — Felipe’s stunner makes it 3-3 — No words. Just watch.
What a 'beaut. Felipe curls home a leveler for @NewYorkRedBulls. #NYvHOU https://t.co/kMdch2lGka
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 20, 2016
83' — Felipe curls in a free kick for 4-3 — Again, no words. Just watch. Take it all in. Bask in the terri-brilliance that is, was and forever shall be this game. (ALTERNATE ANGLE)
Felipe is ON FIRE tonight. #NYvHOU https://t.co/NDknBSuxjW
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 20, 2016
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Man of the match: Felipe Martins
Goalscorers: Kljestan (22'), Bruin (35', 41'), Grella (63'), Alex (65'), Felipe (77', 83')