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The New York Red Bulls held their own in their season opener Sunday, displaying a strong performance against a solid FC Cincinnati. Although Cincinnati dominated possession, the Red Bulls came out on top 3-2 for a perfect start to the 2020 season.
In the 16th minute, 22-year-old Kyle Duncan opened the scoring with a goal from atop the six-yard box, striking the ball into the lower-left corner after a demonstrating his smarts by making a streaking run down the right flank and crashing the box unmarked.
Only 11 minutes later, Kaku bagged his 12th goal in his 57th appearance for the club after displaying great technique by letting the ball cross his body before passing it into the back of the net with the inside of his left foot.
During halftime, the Red Bulls honored academy product and eight-year veteran Connor Lade on his retirement. He's since joined the front office as Senior Manager of Alumni and Player Relations. I had the pleasure of playing with Connor during our senior year of high school for the Red Bulls' U-18 academy team. The club could not have picked a better guy to join the club in an office position. All the best of luck to you, man.
The second half began with a quick goal in the 46th minute from Cincinnati's Costa Rican, Allan Cruz.
It seemed as if FCC was making headway, but Daniel Royer destroyed the team's hopes with an impressive dribbling show in the box before knocking the ball right over the keeper's right shoulder to make it 3-1.
In the 83rd minute, Jurgen Locadia closed the gap to make it 3-2 with a nice run in behind the Red Bulls' back line. He took control of the ball and tried sneaking it through the keeper's legs; it was saved, but a fortunate deflection off the keeper's left leg gave Locadia a second chance with an easy tap-in.
It was a great effort, but it was too little, too late. The match ended 3-2 to much relief of the home team.
All in all, a great opening match with plenty of goal scoring for the neutral spectator.
