Vanzeir sparks Red Bulls to 2-1 victory over Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — Dante Vanzeir had a goal and an assist to spark the New York Red Bulls to a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday, handing the defending Supporters' Shield winners their first loss of the season while moving into the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Cincinnati (3-1-3) took an early lead when Yuya Korbo used an assist from Luciano Acosta in the 3rd minute to send a header to the bottom left corner of the net from the left side of the 6-yard box. It was his second goal of the season.
The Red Bulls (4-1-2) pulled even in the 19th minute when Frankie Amaya took a pass from Vanzeir outside the box and drilled a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner for his first goal this season.
Vanzeir gave the Red Bulls the lead for good when he scored with an assist from Swedish newcomer Emil Forsberg in the 60th minute. Vanzeir used his right foot to bury a shot in the bottom right corner from the center of the box. It was his first score of the season and the third of his career.
Carlos Coronel stopped three shots for the Red Bulls. Evan Louro finished with three saves for Cincinnati in the first career start for the 28-year-old.
Cincinnati had an eight-match unbeaten run dating to last season come to an end. It was the third longest such streak in club history. Cincinnati had an 11-match unbeaten run in 2022 and a 10-match run last season.
New York gained a measure of revenge at TQL Stadium after Cincinnati ended the Red Bulls' season last year in the playoffs.
New York takes a 6-5-5 lead in the all-time series, while improving to 4-1-1 on the road against Cincinnati.
The Red Bulls, who have a two-point lead over three teams in the East, have scored 11 goals through seven matches under new manager Sandro Schwarz.
The Red Bulls return home to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. Cincinnati travels to play CF Montreal on Saturday.
