A gorgeous assist off a free kick from Tolkin led to the lone goal in the contest, leading RBNY to MLS Cup for the first time in 16 seasons
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New York Red Bulls beat Orlando City 1-0Advance to MLS CupPlay winner of Seattle Sounders vs. LA GalaxyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱IMGANTELL ME MORE
The New York Red Bulls are back in the MLS Cup Final for the first time since 2008 thanks to a bit of magic from Andres Reyes and John Tolkin.
Reyes scored a header in the 47th minute off an assist from Tolkin to seal a 1-0 victory against Orlando City Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.
The win continues a dramatic postseason surge from the East's No. 7 seed, beating yet another higher seed in Orlando, which was the No. 4 seed.
had their chances though, especially in the first half where a Facundo Torres missed a clear cut shot in the box. Both sides came into the break scoreless, but the Red Bulls would seize momentum right out of the gate to start the second half, RBNY scored their lone effort of the match, and the eventual dagger.
Orlando fought back late in the second half, occupying most of the ball over the final 20 minutes, but they could not break down the RBNY defense, nor register a threatening opportunity as the match neared conclusion. After five minutes of stoppage added, the ref blew the final whistle, and it was pure jubilation for the Red Bulls – while Orlando City SC were left with their heads hanging low.
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Heading into the match, the Red Bulls had not made it to MLS Cup since 2008, while Orlando City had never appeared in their 10-year history as a club. wait continues.
THE MVP
John Tolkin:
The young fullback put on a clinic all evening, but his big moment came on the winner for the Red Bulls. A truly stupendous assist, the U.S. international delivered a brilliant free kick with both pace and and precision, finding the head of Reyes to smash home at the far post. He locked-up Facundo Torres and was lights-out on his flank all night.
The playoffs are all about moments and Tolkin had his Saturday evening.
THE BIG LOSER
Orlando's attack:
The tried three-different strikers throughout the match, starting the contest with Ramiro Enrique, before bringing on both Luis Muriel and Duncan McGuire in the second half. Between the three strikers, they only registered three total shots, all of which were off target.
After RBNY scored the go-ahead chance, Orlando needed its attack to step up. However, it struggled in the limelight, and didn't live up to expectations in arguably the biggest moment of the club's existence.