Elias Manoel scored on a stunning, 35-yard rainbow half-volley just before halftime, Lewis Morgan added his team-leading ninth goal of the season and the visiting New York Red Bulls defeated D.C. United 4-1 on Wednesday night.
Manoel also had an assist on Cameron Harper’s goal for New York, which has now won three in a row in the all-time series between the teams.
Cory Burke added an insurance tally in second-half stoppage time for the Red Bulls (6-2-5, 23 points), who won consecutive matches for the second time this season.
Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made four stops in the victory. His best came in the 82nd minute to deny Christian Benteke a 12th goal that would have given him sole possession of the MLS scoring lead.
Lucas Bartlett scored off a second-half corner to cut D.C.’s deficit to two. But the Black and Red got no closer on a night they conceded three or more goals at home for the third time this season.
After a first half with sparse chances at both ends, Manoel put the Red Bulls in front in first-half stoppage time thanks to a moment of individual brilliance.
Frankie Amaya found Manoel from his own half of the field with a ball that looked to be a clearance as much as a pass. But Manoel reacted instinctively to run onto it and shield D.C. United defender Christopher McVey.
Then on the run, Manoel struck the ball on the bounce with his right foot, and it arced high over pulled-out goalkeeper Alex Bono.
It was 2-0 in the 52nd minute after a break that began when Manoel played Emil Forsberg into space down the left side.
Forsberg cut a ball back across the field on the break to Harper, who then cut back to elude a retreating defender before driving a firm finish past Bono from inside the right side of the penalty area.
Morgan then put the match out of reach in the 57th minute on a similar break, this time popping up to slot in the rebound after Bono saved the Red Bulls’ initial effort.
–Field Level Media
