Red Bull New York returned home to Sports Illustrated Stadium for the first time since mid-May and were shut out 2-0 by visiting Charlotte FC.
It wasn’t the bounce-back performance that the home supporters were hoping for after Wednesday’s 3-1 road defeat to the Philadelphia Union.
There were moments when the spectators were frustrated by the lack of end product. Despite owning 63 percent of possession, outshooting Charlotte 23-5, Red Bull New York were unable to bulge the back of the net.
“Yeah, it’s a frustrating night,” head coach Michael Bradley said during his post-match press conference. “We started pretty well, and then literally our first time in our end, we can’t deal with a play, and they square a ball to the top of the box, and are able to go up 1-0.
“A few minutes later, literally their second time into our end, and [Ashley] Westwood hits a good shot, and you know after all in all a pretty good start. In the first few minutes, we find ourselves down 2-0.
“You would say that both goals are like so many situations that develop over the course of the game, which means that along the way, there are some moments where we can handle things on our part better for sure.”
Bazán Impresses in First MLS Start, Jimenez Makes MLS Debut
Bradley reconfigured the back four by handing Julián Bazán his first career MLS start at center-back. Dylan Nealis was shifted from center-back to right-back.
“Bazán generally, for his first time starting for his first real minutes as a center back, we thought he had a good game,” Bradley stated.
“So we’re going to continue to push him along, he’s made a good impression since he’s arrived here in terms of his qualities as a player, as a competitor. He has really good starting points, so we’re pleased with him.”
Mijahir Jimenez entered the match in the 70th minute to make his MLS debut. He made nine touches and completed five of five passes, including one pass into the final third and one accurate long ball.
“Mijahir came on and at that point in the game helped us in really good ways,” Bradley said. “So pleased with both of those guys.”
The 19-year-old also made two recoveries.
Midfielder Nate Worth was named to the bench for the second consecutive match but he wasn’t summoned by Bradley.
Bradley Calms Mehmeti After Red Card
Adri Mehmeti was sent off in the 93rd minute after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
“He and I spoke inside,” Bradley said. “At that point, it was just making sure that he went inside and didn’t do anything that was going to get him in more trouble. So he and I, spoke. That part was important after a situation in a night like this.
“Adri is a really, really talented young player. He has so many good qualities. He’s been so important for us this year, and it’s all part of growing, maturing. So he’ll learn from it in good ways. He’s going in a really good direction.”
Red Bull New York will welcome Orlando City SC and star forward Antoine Griezmann next Saturday. The August 1 match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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