When the Bulls Ran Wild: A Night to Remember for New York Red Bulls.

rs
3 min readJun 29, 2023

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Red Bull forward #17 Cameron Harper celebrates a goal by Red Bull midfielder #23 Cristian Casseres Jr. in the 45th minute. Photo: © Ron Smits

Hey there, soccer fans!

Let’s recap an electrifying match that took place on the evening of June 24, 2023, at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The Red Bulls put on a masterclass, charging to a 4–0 victory over Atlanta United in front of a roaring crowd of over 16,000 fans.

The Red Bulls, with the league’s lowest goal tally, were hungry to make a statement. And what a statement they made, netting four times to set a new season-high goal total. The triumph also marked sweet revenge for the Bulls, who avenged a 1–0 loss to Atlanta earlier in the season.

The first rumble of the Bulls’ charge came from Daniel Edelman in the 32nd minute. A pinpoint throw-in from Cameron Harper found Edelman, who unleashed a strike from the right side of the box, leaving Atlanta’s keeper Brad Guzan stranded. It was a sweet moment for Edelman, as he netted his first goal of the season and only the second of his young career.

Just when Atlanta was trying to regroup, the Red Bulls pounced again. A costly turnover in Atlanta’s end was swiftly punished by Cristian Casseres Jr., who was set up brilliantly by Tom Barlow. Casseres danced past the defense and beat Guzan for his first goal of the season and 14th career tally, doubling the advantage for the Red Bulls.

Despite Atlanta’s valiant attempts to halve the deficit — notably a close call by Machop Choi in the 61st minute and a bid by Giorgos Giakoumakis just two minutes later — New York’s netminder Carlos Coronel stood his ground. His commanding performance ended in his fifth clean sheet of the season and 27th of his career.

As the match wore on, Frankie Amaya decided it was his turn to join the party. In the 78th minute, Amaya rifled a deflected shot from the top of the box into the back of the net. Not satisfied with just one, he added a second goal 12 minutes later to cap the scoring and an unforgettable night for the Red Bulls.

Atlanta United defender #22 Juan Purata battles Red Bull forward #11 Elias Manoel for the ball. Atlanta United defender #4 Luis Abram heads the ball away during a Red Bull corner kick. Photos: © Ron Smits

This victory was not just about scoring four goals, but it was a testament to the Red Bulls’ ability to rise from the ashes. They entered the game as the underdogs, with the least goals in the league, but left the pitch having reminded everyone of their potential. On the other side of the coin, the defeat put a screeching halt to Atlanta United’s seven-match unbeaten streak and added another dent to their shaky road record.

So, here’s to the New York Red Bulls. Their fans will be hoping this is just the start of a new, goal-laden chapter in their season. As for Atlanta United, they’ll be looking to shake off this heavy defeat and bounce back stronger. The beautiful game of soccer always offers a chance for redemption.

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rs

I capture the thrill of the moment, from the sidelines to the stage. A photographer turned novice writer, sharing my unique perspective on the events I cover.