New York RB take top spot in East as City, Union slip up

New York RB moved to top spot in the Eastern Conference in the MLS, defeating Sporting KC 1-0 on Sunday.

Gerhard Stuber’s side looked to absorb pressure for the majority of the match and captain Aaron Long put them ahead in the 53rd minute, heading in at the back post after a finely worked corner routine.

Choice became necessity after a VAR review that forced Sean Nealis off in the 73rd minute, but they were able to hold out against a Sporting KC that failed to penetrate in possession.

The win makes for the first time NYRB have managed consecutive wins in the MLS since April, also putting them on 32 points, now two points clear of Philadelphia Union.

BANG! Aaron Long, that’s perfect execution! pic.twitter.com/hNFx2XpOYd

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 4, 2022

The Union were in a similarly dour contest, generating only two shots in the penalty area from open play in a goal-less draw away to Columbus Crew.

The Crew had an opportunity to take the lead in the 19th minute, only for Andre Blake to save Pedro Santos’ penalty.

New Yoirk City are a further point back on 29 points, after they played out a 2-2 draw at home to Atlanta United, while the New England Revolution and Cincinnati also managed a 2-2 draw.

In the Western Conference meanwhile, Real Salt Lake critically slipped up in a chance to make up ground following LAFC’s loss on Saturday, going down 3-2 to Minnesota United.

RSL were down 3-0 at one stage until Jefferson Savarino inspired a dramatic late fightback, scoring and assisting for substitute Anderson Julio within a five-minute span.

It was not enough however, with LAFC maintaining a five-point gap to second-placed Austin FC.

Elsewhere in the West, Nashville and Portland Timbers played out a 2-2 draw, while Houston Dynamo lost 2-1 at home to Charlotte FC.

In Sunday’s final game, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1 via Benjamin Kikanovic’s brace, with his first coming after the Quakes extraordinarily hit the frame of the goal twice in the same passage.

THE MOST @MLS GOAL YOU’LL EVER SEE. pic.twitter.com/9IzfVsYvIl

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 4, 2022