The New York Red Bulls treated Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match against FC New York of the USL like a glorified scrimmage, using a lineup filled with reserves. Their fans treated the match like a non-event, as only 2,074 paying customers showed up at the 25,000-seat Red Bull Arena.
The Red Bulls did earn a 2-1 victory to advance to the Open Cup finals, where they will face the Chicago Fire. Chicago defeated the Rochester Rhinos, 1-0. The victory did not, however, come easily for the mostly-reserve Red Bulls.
After a scoreless first half, FC New York took the lead in the 56th minute when Owen Morrison beat Red Bulls keeper Greg Sutton from about 25 yards out.
The Red Bulls came back quickly, though. Corey Hertzog tied the game two minutes later, beating FC New York keeper Steve Diaz to the short side from a tough angle.
John Rooney got the game-winner seven minutes later, hitting a low shot from just outside the penalty area that elude a diving Diaz.