Red Bulls playoff hopes brought to an end

NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 1: Red Bull New York forward Cade Cowell (7) during a match between Nashville SC and Red Bull New York, (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Nashville SC 3-2 Red Bull New York

NASHVILLE, TN–Red Bull New York were eliminated from playoff contention with a 3-2 defeat in Tennessee.

The first chance of the game fell the way of Cade Cowell, a brilliant fun from the forward led to him being brought down in the area by Elias Saad and with that, the referee awarded a spot kick.

His effort was saved by Brian Schwake, the 25 year old goalkeeper got down to his right to make a strong save and keep the score at 0-0.

Red Bull would eventually take the lead and it would be who else but Julian Hall. The young talent capped off a fantastic move by slotting an effort into the bottom right corner, fellow teenagers Sekou Kone and Adri Mehmeti played their part in the goal showing that the future looks bright for the Red Bulls.

Shortly after, Red Bulls doubled their lead. Rafael Mosquera scored with his first touch after replacing the injured Cameron Harper. Cowell drilled a ball across the box and there was the Panama international to tap into the back of the net to give his side a vital lead.

On the brink of halftime, Nashville found one back. Andy Najar sent a ball into the box and it was unfortunately diverted into his own net by Tim Parker, who just stuck out a leg to try and intercept.

Another chance fell the way of Nashville before the break, with Espinoza’s set piece delivery just being inches out of the reach of Sam Surridge, who used everything to try and reach it.

Straight into the second 45 Hany Mukhtar would have the ball in the back of the net for the hosts, but it was ruled out for an offside offence against Surridge.

The German went close again when his headed attempt was just tipped over by Ethan Horvath. BJ Callaghan’s side were now piling on the pressure.

Immediately from the corner, Surridge now lofted a ball towards goal which came back off the crossbar. Nashville were now seriously knocking on the door and a goal felt inevitable.

Nashville had the ball in the net once again, but again it was disallowed as Surridge made his run to early and being denied by the offside flag for the second time.

Red Bulls would finally have their first chance of the second half, and it should have been a third. A driving run from Julian Bazan gave his team a huge opportunity when he slipped it through to Ruvalcaba. All the Mexican had to do was slot it away but he saw his effort denied by an incredible save by Schwake who tipped it onto the bar and over for a corner.

This was one of them pivotal moments in a season where it was really make or break.

The league leaders hit the woodwork once again and this time it was Woledzi, the defender flicked a shot at goal following a corner but was denied by the crossbar on this occasion.

It was just constant chaos and this led to the crossbar being hit once again, a save by Horvath fell the way of Espinoza who’s deflected half volley came back of the woodwork for the fourth time.

Nashville would eventually find their leveller, and it was another own goal, this time Bazan. Espinoza found space in behind and powered it across goal with the defender awkwardly attempting to clear, but just miskicking it into his own net.

An incredible save by Ethan Horvath would deny the hosts again and Surridge again. The ball just would not go in and this time Surridge attempted to just tap in at the far post, but Horvath scrambled across goal to turn it behind.

Surridge was not to be denied any longer when he found his goal. Espinoza’s corner was headed by the striker into the corner to give his side a priceless lead, and likely condemn Red Bulls to exiting the playoff contention.

Surridge almost had his second goal but was denied well by Horvath to keep the score at three.

With this defeat, Red Bull New York are eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs.

New York will play at home on MLS Decision Day, facing Atlanta United on Saturday, November 7.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET with coverage on Apple TV in English and Spanish.