The game in 100 words (or less): The New York Red Bulls went from two goals ahead, to tied 2-2, in a matter of seconds at Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday. Up 2-0 on the Philadelphia Union at halftime and well past the hour mark, Jesse Marsch’s side conceded twice barely a minute apart as the Union clawed back for a precious point, keeping themselves within striking distance (three points back) of New York City FC, the Eastern Conference leaders at weekend’s end. Sacha Kljestan, who was named and MLS All-Star earlier on Sunday, bagged a first-half brace before Chris Pontius won a penalty and scored a goal to erase the deficit with just over 20 minutes remaining. The disappointing draw sees the Red Bulls (28 points) blow their chance to leapfrog the Union (30 points) for second place in the East.
[ MORE: Recapping Saturday night’s MLS action ]
Three Four Five moments that mattered
27' — Kljestan finishes an easy counter for 1-0 — Ken Tribbett has, and will continue to (we hope), had finer moments in his still-young professional soccer career.
GOAL! Sacha Kljestan puts New York Red Bulls ahead 1-0 after a key mistake in the back from the Union #PHIvNY https://t.co/MRtnQYFmcJ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 17, 2016
44' — Kljestan’s free kick takes a deflection, goes in — Hardly the fault of any member of the Union, but a goal nonetheless.
GOAL! A New York magic show nabs Sacha Kljestan his second on the night and it's 2-0 Red Bulls 🔮🔮 #PHIvNY https://t.co/LkUCKcJk31
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 18, 2016
67' — Pontius yanked down in the box, Sapong converts PK — Keegan Rosenberry, who was so rightly voted into the All-Star Game, is so impressive as a rookie. His ball to the back post was perfectly placed in no man’s land, and Pontius got himself in the right spot to force Sal Zizzo’s hand.
68' — Pontius finishes for 2-2 a minute later — Momentum swings quickly, doesn’t it? (Rosenberry with the ball before the ball.)
Boom! And just like that, Chris Pontius has this match is tied at 2-2! #PHIvNY https://t.co/mkoBg2Wi91
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 18, 2016
72' — Ilsinho throws an arm/elbow, sees red — As far as stupid ideas go, “throwing arms/elbows at an opponent’s head right in front of a referee” is about as stupid as it gets.
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Man of the match: Keegan Rosenberry
Goalscorers: Kljestan (27', 44'), Sapong (67' - PK), Pontius (68')
