MLS Game Summary - New York at D.C. United
Washington, D.C. (SportsNetwork.com) - Red Bull New York suffered a 2-1 loss to D.C. United at RFK Stadium on Saturday but managed to advance to the Eastern Conference finals by a 3-2 aggregate score.
The Red Bulls were in the driver's seat after cruising to a 2-0 victory in the opening leg at Red Bull Arena, but D.C. asked a few questions of Mike Petke's men by grabbing a first-half lead in Saturday's replay.
United put Luis Robles' net under some pressure and eventually got its just reward in the 37th minute as a well-worked move culminated with Taylor Kemp whipping in a superb cross from the left flank for Nick DeLeon to turn in from close range.
The Red Bulls essentially put the tie to bed in the 57th minute when Peguy Luyindula finished off a cross from Thierry Henry for a critical away goal, leaving D.C. in need of three goals to avoid elimination.
United's task was made slightly easier in the 78th minute when Roy Miller, who already had been booked in the match, was issued a straight red card for a reckless high boot when challenging for an aerial ball.
The extra man helped D.C. pull one back as Sean Franklin struck for the home side in the first minute of stoppage time, but there was little time left for a comeback as the Red Bulls closed out the match to oust the top seed in the East.
The Red Bulls will face the winner of the New England Revolution's series against the Columbus Crew.