Preseason opens with 2:0 win over Crew
February 1, 2013 (Official Game Summary)
Ian Christianson and Kenny Cooper recorded second half goals as the New York Red Bulls defeated the Columbus Crew, 2-0, in their preseason opener at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.
New York had the best chance of the two teams in a scoreless first half in the 15th minute. Midfielder Lloyd Sam received the ball on the right wing and crossed it towards the back post. Tim Cahill was there and volleyed it past goalkeeper Matt Lampson and off the left post. Earlier, Columbus' Federico Higuain came close with a curling free kick that bounced wide.
Six minutes into the second half, the Crew nearly drew first blood, as forward Ryan Finley slammed a shot off the crossbar.
New York broke the deadlock in the 80th minute. Nicki Paterson's in-swinging free kick was met by an open Christianson, who nodded it into the back of the net. The Red Bulls sealed the result with three minutes left in the game. Cooper was able to get behind the Columbus backline, rounded goalkeeper Daniel Withrow and slid it home.
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