Ronald Donkor scored a dramatic late goal that could prove vital to Red Bull New York’s playoff hopes.
The 21-year-old Ghanaian capitalized on Cameron Harper’s feed to net an 89th-minute match winner to prevail over the Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday.
Red Bull New York saw out six minutes of added time to earn a hard-fought victory, its first since August 1.
Donkor Focused on Improvement, Not Thinking About Pressure To Make Playoffs
After Saturday’s win, the Red Bulls occupy the final Eastern Conference playoff position in ninth place.
But Donkor isn’t getting ahead of himself.
“We don’t really think about the playoffs because we know we are just playing to win and we want to progress every game,” Donkor said following Saturday’s match.
“So, we keep working and everyone will see at the end because we don’t really think about the playoffs because if we keep winning and we keep correcting our mistakes, I don’t think everyone will be talking about [missing] the playoffs again. So, we will see. We keep working.”
Michael Bradley Praises Cameron Harper and Tim Parker
Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley heavily rotated his starting XI, which included starts for Harper and veteran defender Tim Parker.
“I think everybody inside this club could not be happier for Cam,” Bradley said of Harper. “In this last stretch, he’s now found the consistency, been in training on a more regular basis. Now, we’ve used him in games and he’s really helped us. So really happy for Cam that he starts tonight and has the game that he does.”
“Tim had a fantastic game,” Bradley said of Parker. “That also is not easy when you’re a guy who hasn’t played regularly and now you just get tossed in. That’s a challenge.
“But Tim has experience. Tim has a really strong presence. Tim understands the game. So he was able to step on the field tonight and make sure that we didn’t bat an eye. We’re all really pleased for Tim. He plays a really important role for our team. In terms of his leadership, his presence, his experience. He gets a chance to play from the start tonight and he plays the way that he does. That’s awesome.”
Cade Cowell Provides Spark Off the Bench
Substitute Cade Cowell provided energy and trickery when he entered the match in the 66th minute.
“We got into the second half, we wanted to get his energy and speed on the field,” Bradley said. “It made sense tonight to use him from the left. He showed a lot of good things and all of our subs came on and really helped us. So that’s an important part of the win.”
Winger Dennis Nelich and midfielder Sekou Kone were again added to Red Bull New York’s roster on short-term agreements. Nelich made a late cameo and Kone did not see action.
Defenders Justin Che (ankle) and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (hamstring) missed the match due to injuries.
Resurgent Ethan Horvath Records Third Clean Sheet of Season
Ethan Horvath earned his third clean sheet of the season in a three-save performance.
“Ethan’s had a really good week,” Bradley said. “When you think about playing in big games, the margins are tight. So you need guys in every part of the field who are ready to make plays. So that part is great to see with Ethan.”
Red Bull New York will next face Hudson River Derby rivals New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Friday, September 18. Friday’s contest is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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