The Red Bulls celebrate their Saturday night win. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
The Red Bulls scored early in each half to register a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.
Lewis Morgan, who had a hat-trick against the Canadian club earlier this season, tallied two minutes into the match and Luquinhas added an insurance score in the 56th minute for the Red Bulls (7-4-5, 26 points). Toronto (15) fell to 4-8-3.
New York stumbled early this season, trying to find wins and three points at RBA. Now, the Red Bulls have won three consecutive matches at home.
“We knew this team really needed to make this place a fortress and I thought the boys were amazing tonight, and probably one of the most complete performances,” Morgan said. “I thought so yeah, delighted to get another three points.”
Morgan headed in John Tolkin’s corner kick into the top corner of the net past goalkeeper Quentin Westberg. It was Morgan’s team-high eighth goal across all competitions and seventh in the league, which tied him for the MLS lead for midfielder goals.
“I think that the situation that we score very quick gives everyone I think a very good feeling and was very good for the confidence,” head coach Gerhard Struber said.
Morgan gave credit to his teammates.
“I think most of that comes from my teammates,” he said. “When we play like we did tonight first attacking players it’s my pleasure to be a part of everybody’s getting chances. So happy with my goal tally. Always want more always hungry for more. But most importantly, that this team keeps winning. And we’ve also got a big game midweek and so all eyes turn to that.”
📲📲📲 @10LewisMorgan pic.twitter.com/fmDHShLOCX
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 18, 2022
Eleven minutes into the second half, Tom Barlow made a run in behind the Toronto back line and had a shot saved. The long rebound fell to Luquinhas, who sent the ball over Westberg for his fifth goal of the MLS campaign and sixth across all competitions.
“When I saw it, I didn’t think twice,” Luquinhas said. “When I saw the keeper out, right away, I knew I had to do it. It was quick thinking from me and I knew I had to hit it right away.”
Anything is possible… when you're Luquinhas 😱 pic.twitter.com/tKzByB7X75
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 19, 2022
Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel earned his 20th career victory with the team and moved into sole possession of fifth place in franchise history, surpassing Bouna Coundoul. The clean sheet also was his fourth of the season and his 18th career MLS shutout. He has recorded 11 shutouts at home in his career.
Coronel earned his 17th career shutout with the Red Bulls and moved into a tie for third place in franchise history with Jon Conway. Only Luis Robles (72) and Tony Meola (25) have more clean sheets in Red Bulls history.
