Andres Reyes’ goal on a header early in the second half was enough to lift the New York Red Bulls to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City on Saturday night in the Eastern Conference final of the MLS Cup playoffs.
John Tolkin provided a service from a free kick in the match’s decisive moment, which continued the seventh-seeded Red Bulls’ unlikely run to the MLS Cup final. New York is headed to the championship for the second time in franchise history after coming up just short against the Columbus Crew in 2008.
The Red Bulls will face the Galaxy or Sounders next weekend for the title. LA and Seattle were scheduled to play later Saturday night.
Carlos Coronel made three stops on Saturday for the Red Bulls, recording his third clean sheet of the postseason. He has made a total of 17 saves in those shutouts.
Fourth-seeded Orlando was trying to make its first MLS Cup final in its 10th season in the league. Pedro Gallese did not make any saves for the hosts.
Reyes put the Red Bulls in front only two minutes into the second half on a flawlessly executed set piece.
Tolkin provided the service from the right flank, at a perfect height for Reyes to meet near the back post and with too much pace for Gallese to corral.
Reyes guided his header off the inside of the upright before it continued its path across the goal line.
Orlando City had the majority of the possession after going behind but seldom translated their territorial dominance into threats against Coronel.
The Lions’ best opportunity came in the first half through Martin Ojeda’s breakaway down the right side in the 32nd minute.
With defenders retreating, Ojeda spotted Facundo Torres coming down the other flank, but Torres had his shot stopped by Coronel.
–Field Level Media
