Red Bulls head home empty-handed after Guadalajara defeat

The New York Red Bulls couldn't take anything away from the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against Chivas de Guadalajara, losing 1-0 in a tense away match on Wednesday night.

Jesse Marsch's men enjoyed a successful trip to Mexico the last time they crossed the border, winning 2-0 in Tijuana last month to put them on their way to the final four.

But the task was far from simple on Wednesday, as a combination of silly decision-making and questionable refereeing handed the advantage to the Liga MX side.

Chivas took the lead through Isaac Brizuela in the 26th minute after pouncing on an error by Red Bulls defender Tyler Adams. The 19-year-old, who was called up to the most recent United States squad, misplaced a pass and allowed the host to strike on the counter.

The Red Bulls struggled to string moves together and often resorted to hopeful long balls, connecting on a woeful 54 percent of their passes.

Referee John Pitti added to the visitor's frustrations in the 62nd minute when he turned down appeals for a penalty. Chivas forward Ronaldo Cisneros appeared to handle the ball in the area after Daniel Royer's backheel attempt, but nothing was given.

Matters were made worse when Aurelien Collin was sent off for a second yellow card midway through the second half. That means New York will have to contend the return leg next week without its towering center-back.