MATCH RECAP: Forsberg's free kick in the 97th minute gives Red Bulls victory over Chivas

By Victor Arreola

Emil Forsberg struck the match-winning goal in the final seconds to hand the New York Red Bulls a 1-nil victory against Chivas de Guadalajara on Thursday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

Both goalkeepers looked to be making a bid for Man of the Match honors with penalty kicks looming, but New York’s Swedish star had other plans.

The 12-time Mexican champions threatened in the 23rd through former NYCFC midfielder Richard Ledezma, who struck a right-footed shot from distance to force a save from AJ Marcucci.

Alan Pulido nearly struck before the end of the first half, but Marcucci negated the attempt to keep the match scoreless.

Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado struck from long range in the 55th, forcing a block from Red Bulls goalkeeper AJ Marcucci.

Mohammed Sofo struck with ferocity with a left-footed strike inside the box in the 68th minute but was denied by Rangel.

Raúl Rangel denied Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from close range in the 74th minute and made another stop in the 90+4th do deny Sofo again.

A free kick opportunity just outside the box would make for the last offensive play of the game
as Forsberg converted in the 90+7th with a lightning strike into the bottom right corner.

REACTIONS:

• Guadalajara
  • Head Coach Gabriel Milito:
    • “Everything we do, we do to score goals. We lacked that aggressiveness because we created a lot of chances but didn't convert them. There was little sense of danger."
• NY Red Bulls
  • Head Coach Sandro Schwarz:
    • “You can see all these emotions from the Mexican teams when they come here to play the Leagues Cup…how they want to play in buildup, always having the confidence to keep the ball and find the right moment, so you can see the Mexican culture of these clubs.”

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH:

• NY Red Bulls:
  • Emil Forsberg came off the bench to win the match with his free kick in the 97th minute
• Guadalajara:
  • Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel had three saves and was great protecting the net until that final attempt

GAME NOTES:

• New York Red Bulls gets their first victory over Chivas at Sports Illustrated Stadium
• Emil Forsberg's game-winner came in his first ever Leagues Cup match
• AJ Marcucci had four saves and collected his first LC clean sheet
• Red Bulls are now unbeaten at home in their last 12 non-MLS regular season matches
• Guadalajara remained winless in the Leagues Cup, they drop to 0-5 with this result

CARDS/INJURY REPORT:

• Yellow Cards
  • Guadalajara: Gilberto Sepúlveda, Daniel Aguirre
  • NY Red Bulls: Kyle Duncan

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Guadalajara's next match will be against Charlotte on August 3rd
• NY Red Bulls's next match will be against Monterrey on August 3rd