HARRISON, N.J. (October 7, 2015) - The New York Red Bulls defeated the Montreal Impact, 2-1, Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena. Sacha Kljestan (PK) and Lloyd Sam scored for New York, while Montreal was reduced to 10 men after a 15th minute red card to Ambroise Oyongo.
With the win New York ties a franchise record for home wins in a season. The Red Bulls are 11-3-2 at Red Bull Arena in 2015. The club also reached a franchise-high 11 wins in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
The result solidifies New York's place atop the standings in both the Eastern Conference and the Supporter's Shield race. New York is now 16-9-6 on the season, with 54 points putting the club three points clear of the LA Galaxy for the top spot in MLS. New York is also six points ahead of the field in the Eastern Conference, and need two points from the final three matches, or a win or tie in Toronto next Wednesday, to lock up the top spot in the East heading into the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Luis Robles continues to reach club milestones in the 2015 season. The goalkeeper made his 103rd consecutive league start for the Red Bulls, and earned his 48th career win, tying him with Tony Meola for the franchise record.
Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty made his 134th career start for New York, moving into second on the franchise's all-time games started list, ahead of Dane Richards.
Oyongo was issued a red card in the 15th minute for a handball that kept the ball out of the Impact net. Oyongo played the ball with his hand while trying to clear an attempt from Bradley Wright-Phillips off the goal line.
Sacha Kljestan stepped up and buried the ensuing penalty kick to put New York ahead. The goal was Kljestan's seventh of the season. The midfielder now has 16 points, five goals and 11 assists, in the last 16 games, beginning with two assists in a win over New York City FC on June 28.
The Red Bulls were awarded another penalty attempt minutes later after another Montreal infraction inside the penalty area. Kljestan again stepped to the spot and struck a low ball to the right, but this time Bush guessed correctly and pushed the attempt wide. Kljestan is now four-for-five this season on penalty kick attempts.
New York doubled the advantage in the 39th minute with Sam's goal, his third in the last three games. Sam started the play with a ball through the defense to Wright-Phillips. The forward was able to poke the ball by Bush, but his shot was blocked by a defender. The rebound fell to Sam, who was able to place a shot over the heads of Bush and the defender and in.
The goal was Sam's 10th of the season, good for second on the team behind Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Montreal pulled one back in the 67th minute when Didier Drogba converted a penalty kick after an Impact player was taken down in the penalty area on a set piece.
The Red Bulls are off this weekend before heading to Toronto for the midweek meeting with Toronto FC on Wednesday, October 14. Kickoff then is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on MSG and Red Bulls Radio.
New York returns to Red Bull Arena for the regular season home finale on Sunday, October 18 with a match against the Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
