WASHINGTON – A goal from New York Red Bull defender Jon Barrajo in the 86th minute secured a 2-2 draw against D.C. United in a Wednesday Reserve League match.
Barrajo’s tally off a set piece snatched a point for the visitors, who trailed 2-1 at the half. Brandon McDonald and Brandon Barklage each had first half goals for D.C., while New York midfielder John Rooney scored from the penalty spot.
D.C. took the lead in the 8th minute. Joseph Ngwenya diverted a low cross into the path of Barklage. His shot deflected off New York defender Teddy Schneider and past Alex Horwath.
Shortly after scoring, D.C. controlled possession, able to keep New York off the ball. However, the Red Bulls began to find their way back into the game through midfielders Matt Kassel and John Rooney. In the 30th minute, Kassel’s shot from distance was deflected just over.
On the ensuing corner kick, Red Bulls defender Stephen Keel was fouled in the penalty area, and Rooney stepped up to the spot, beating D.C. goalkeeper Joe Willis to his right side.
With the equalizer, New York pressed forward, and Rooney tested Willis from distance five minutes later who made an easy save.
Seven minutes before the half, D.C. edged out in front again. After a corner wasn’t all the way cleared, United’s left back Patrick Foss curled in a cross into New York’s box. Horwath came racing off his line, but Brandon McDonald beat him to the ball and headed the ball into an empty net.
With the lead, D.C. controlled much of the first half, as New York tried to counter through forward Corey Hertzog. However, United went close to adding a third on two occasions, both Conor Shanosky and Joe Ngwenya going close.
The chances for New York to equalize were few and far between. In the 73rd minute a Kassel-led counter fizzled out when his cross couldn’t beat D.C. ‘keeper Steve Cronin. A late free kick opportunity provided the chance, and Rooney’s curled service found the head of Barrajo.
Scoring Summary:
DC: Brandon Barklage (unassisted) 8'
NY: John Rooney (penalty) 32'
DC: Brandon McDonald (Foss) 38'
NY: John Barrajo (Rooney) 86'
Misconduct Summary:
None.
D.C. United:Joe Willis (Steve Cronin 46'); Chris Korb, Brandon McDonald (Dejan Jakovic 62'), Devon McTavish, Patrick Foss* (Keithy Simpson* 72'); Brandon Barklage, Conor Shanosky, Stephen King, Austin da Luz (Moussa Sanogo* 63'); Joseph Ngwenya, Blake Brettschneider (Brad Vorv* 85')
Substitutes not used: Charlie Davies, Andy Najar
* = Academy player, ** = Guest player
New York Red Bulls: Alex Horwath (Chris Konopka 46'); John Barrajo, Stephen Keel, Tyler Lassiter, Teddy Schneider; John Rooney, Matt Kassel, Ryan Maduro, Marcos Peixoto; Corey Hertzog, Jose Angulo (Giorgi Chirgadze 46', Gonzalez 58')
Substitutes not used: None.
Attendance: 77
