It’s now one win in nine matches for Red Bull New York.
On a frustrating Wednesday night, the Red Bulls fell 2-0 to Los Angeles FC, slumping to their sixth loss in the nine contests that followed the World Cup break.
LAFC was given a 67.3 percent win probability according to the Apple TV broadcast ahead of the match and that prematch prognostication proved to be accurate as the Red Bulls were nowhere near the quality of their Hollywood hosts.
Bradley Proud of Red Bulls in Defeat
That said, head coach Michael Bradley was pleased with his squad’s mentality.
“Generally speaking, and I just said this to the players, I am extremely proud of the way that they went after the game, the way that they competed, the way that they tried to step on the field against a good team in a difficult place to play and put the game on our terms, tried to play our football, tried to really be the aggressor.”
“I said to them again that it’s important that they hear how proud I am, how proud I am of them on nights like this as well, because it’s easy to say when things go well. I also told them that I’m proud, but we’re not happy or satisfied either. So there’s a difference there. So we’re disappointed to not be able to come away from this game with any points.”
Jude Terry gave LAFC the lead in the 21st minute and the Red Bulls never found their way into the match.
New York managed one shot on target for the entirety of the 90 minutes plus six minutes of stoppage time — and that on target attempt occurred in the 15th minute.
Young forward Mijahir Jiménez wasted a glorious header opportunity by directing the ball far wide of the near post in the 91st minute.
Bradley Doesn’t Expect Adri Mehmeti Injury To Be Serious, Kone Makes MLS Debut
There was concern when young midfielder Adri Mehmeti suffered what appeared to be a leg injury. He was replaced in the 33rd minute by 19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone, who made his MLS debut.
“In the big picture, I don’t think Adri’s injury is serious,” Bradley said. “I don’t have more information right now that we’re ready to give. We’re still trying to understand it all and get to the bottom of it, but we’re generally positive that it’s not anything that’s gonna be a big issue.”
Dennis Nelich Starts in MLS Debut, Plays the Full 90
Another youngster, 18-year-old winger Dennis Nelich started the match to make his MLS debut. He played the entire 90 minutes plus six minutes of added time.
“We came to LA yesterday and we had a training at night and I was on the starting team from then, so I kind of had it in my mind and kind of expected to start tonight from yesterday,” Nelich said after making his debut. “Then in the morning they confirmed the lineup and I was ready and I was excited.”
Recently acquired defender Devin Padelford made his first start with New York at left back.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, who replaced Padelford in the 66th minute, was forced off in the 73rd minute after New York ran out of substitutions and the Red Bulls went down to 10 men.
Bradley Praises Che and Bazan Defensive Partnership
Justin Che later limped off in the 95th minute and the Red Bulls finished the match with nine players. Alongside 20-year-old central defender Julián Bazán, the 22-year-old Che put in a tremendous performance in the heart of defense.
“Justin Che and Julián Bazán have been, have been incredible in this last period,” Bradley stated. “The way that they compete, the way that they play, the way that they defend the way they put out fires, their, their leadership, their mentalities, they have been immense.”
Shortly after, Armindo Sieb scored in the 96th minute to double LAFC’s lead to 2-0 to end any chance of New York rescuing a late point.
Red Bull New York will next travel to Ohio to face the Columbus Crew. Saturday’s match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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