Dante Vanzeir (Photo courtesy of the New York Red Bulls)
HARRISON, N.J. — Finally, for once this season, the New York Red Bulls clutched victory from the jaws of defeat.
After defender John Tolkin conceded a penalty in the 88th minute, Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel saved New York skins with a save on Unai Bilbao.
Just moments later, in the second minute of stoppage time, Dante Vanzeir slotted his second goal of the match to complete his first brace as a member of the Red Bulls to lift his side to a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Atletico de San Luis on Sunday night at Red Bull Arena in Leagues Cup action.
“It was just like we drew it up,” Red Bulls head coach Troy Lesesne said with a sarcastic grin. “Carlos come up with a major save like that only for [Tolkin] to play a brilliant ball to Dante.”
The result secures an East 4 group win for the Red Bulls, ensuring they avoid Liga MX powerhouse Pumas in the Round of 32 to be played this week. Instead, they get a derby match against NYCFC on Thursday night at Red Bull Arena.
“We as players needed to keep our emotions in check,” Coronel said through a translator. “I’m happy because I saved the penalty… and after we scored a goal so everybody was happy.”
San Luis appeared as though it would pull off an improbable comeback victory to crash the Red Bulls out of the Leagues Cup altogether. Jhon Murillo drew the visitors level in the 69th minute when he headed a rebound off a save by Coronel into an open net. The Red Bulls keeper was called into action on a Dieter Villalpando volley off an attempted clear from a free kick into the box.
Murillo didn’t have to move as Coronel’s save floated directly to his head for the easy finish.
“I hated that we gave up that goal because he made a fantastic save on the first attempt,” Lesesne said. “They were able to put in the rebound and I think he deserved a clean sheet on the night. But how he’s been able to step up in the last two games and…
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