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Omir Fernandez (Photo courtesy of the New York Red Bulls)
HARRISON, N.J. — Omir Fernandez has a knack for striking down New York City FC.
A 31st-minute penalty from the midfielder was good enough for the New York Red Bulls to clinch a 1-0 victory in the first-ever Leagues Cup edition of the Hudson River Derby over NYCFC while punching the club’s ticket to the competition’s Round of 16.
It’s the second game-winning goal in as many New York derbies for Fernandez, a Bronx native, who scored the game-winner against NYCFC in MLS action on May 13.
The victors of the chippy rivalry match, who improve to 2-0 on the season against NYCFC, will play the Philadelphia Union in Philly on Monday in the Round of 16 match.
Luquinhas, whose elusiveness left NYCFC chasing shadows throughout the midfield all night, set up the Red Bulls’ opener when he was pulled down at the top of the box by Travon Gray in the 28th minute — a yellow-card offense that was deemed a penalty.
“We want to get him the ball as much as possible,” Lesesne said of Luquinhas. “When he starts to beat the first defender and then he starts to come inside and get confident in the game, this is what I love to see. I’m looking at someone who loves to be in those moments and I was really happy to see him make such an impact on the game.”
Up stepped Fernandez, who after taking a large sidestep to his left to get on the right foot, shuffled his feet with vigor as he approached the spot and tucked his chance just inside the right post to give the hosts the lead.
“That’s a big moment for Omir,” Lesesne said. “He’s had so many big moments for us this year, he’s had so many big moments in derbies. This is impressive for him.”
The Red Bulls bossed most of possession to keep NYCFC on the back foot, including late first-half chances from Cameron Harper and Luquinhas that…
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