By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
HARRISON, NJ (Eagle News) – Defending Supporters Shield winners, the New York Red Bulls shook things up against the San Jose Earthquakes thanks to Alex Muyl’s two-goal performance plus goals from Bradley-Wright Phillips and Daniel Royer en route to a 4-1 come from behind victory in Saturday’s season home opener.
San Jose struck first with a goal from Cristian Espinosa in the fifth minute and the Quakes shut down the Red Bulls offense and headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Muyl leveled the game in the 51st minute and scored again on the 71st minute with a perfect free kick assisted by Royer. Wright-Phillips scored with five minutes left during regulation and Royer capped the fourth goal that sealed the win for the Red Bulls.
Muyl, a substitute filling in for the injured Florian Valot, seized the opportunity to produce offensively during the game’s crucial moments.
“It’s a great moment for me,” said Muyl. “To not be rostered in the previous game and to come into this one, I’m glad I had the opportunity to do something.”
Red Bulls Head Coach, Chris Armas praised Muyl’s work ethic.
“Alex doesn’t get enough credit and enough appreciation on the outside,” Armas said. “On the inside, we know what he brings. And we have the pleasure of working with a guy like him who gives so much to the team everyday and understands how we play. He is what we call a ‘philosophy player.’ He sets a standard on what a pro should look like.”
The Red Bulls have yet to lose to the Quakes at Red Bulls Arena, posting a 5-0-2 record dating back to 2010.
San Jose captain, Chris Wondolowski was held scoreless, keeping him one goal shy from tying Landon Donovan’s MLS goal record with 145.
The Red Bulls will host Orlando City SC on Saturday. The Quakes have the week off before their home match against LAFC on March 30.
(Eagle News Service)
