Harrison, NJ (Sports Network) - D.C. United and Red Bull New York kicked off
MLS's rivalry week by sharing the spoils in a spirited scoreless draw on
Saturday at Red Bull Arena.
Entering the match, New York had claimed just one point from its first two
games, and was determined to boss the game in its home opener.
Red Bull talisman Thierry Henry had the first excellent chance of the match
just eight minutes into the game as he collected a loose ball just inside the
United penalty area and ripped a right-footed shot that was earmarked for the
low far corner, but Bill Hamid got down in time to make his first of many
spectacular saves on the day.
It was Henry who had another fantastic opportunity in the 19th minute with a
quick strike on goal, but Hamid was there for the save.
D.C. struggled to generate offensive pressure in the first half, but the
visitors' best chance of the match came in the 20th minute when Nick DeLeon
ripped a shot from outside the box, but it sailed over the bar.
New York's best chance of the first half came in the 24th minute when Fabian
Espindola got his head to an Henry cross, but rang it off the crossbar to keep
the sides on level terms.
After the break, New York kept the pressure up and had another great chance to
break the deadlock in the 55th minute as Espindola used some fancy footwork to
be two D.C. defenders before hitting a rising shot on goal, but it smacked the
crossbar for a second time.
The Red Bulls had several more opportunities down the stretch, including one
in the final minutes off a corner kick, but Hamid was there to keep the ball
out and secure a point for his side.
New York finished with 23 shot attempts and seven shots on goal, while
controlling almost 60 percent of possession, but was ultimately unable to get
one past a stellar Hamid.
D.C. will head home to battle the Columbus Crew next week, while New York will
travel to Montreal to face the Impact.
GAME NOTES:
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