Despite out-shooting DC United, 24-4, the New York Red Bulls settled for a 0-0 tie in their 2013 home opener at Red Bull Arena Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 22,022 spectators and many more watching on the main NBC network at home. New York now has two points off a 0-1-2 record.

Holgersson and Pontius battle on the pitch

The Red Bulls controlled most of the match and Fabian Espindola came closest in the opening 45 minutes, heading a Thierry Henry feed off the crossbar. Earlier eight minutes in, New York’s Eric Alexander slipped Henry in which forced goalkeeper Bill Hamid to make a full stop.

NYRB’s Thierry Henry

In the 56th minute, Espindola hit the crossbar again, this time from 15 yards out with a left-footed blast. Eric Alexander played it over the top to Henry and the forward volleyed it high. Bill Hamid came up for United later, making a point blank save on Tim Cahill to keep the score line even.

New York defender Brandon Barklage nearly earned three points for the hosts at the end, forcing Hamid to make a last save off the end line with a header.

Dax McCarty was named Man of the Match and rightly deserved. While the game was a draw, it still had the electric feel of a home opener and the team’s morale was optimistic in the end. The Red Bulls are hungry for a win and it is obvious in their play. With Mike Petke in place – the wins should start happening soon.

Dax is Man of the Match

 New York Red Bulls (0-1-2, 2 point) – Luis Robles, Brandon Barklage, Jamison Olave, Markus Holgersson, Heath Pearce, Eric Alexander (Connor Lade 89’), Dax McCarty, Tim Cahill, Jonny Steele (Juninho 68’), Fabian Espindola, Thierry Henry (Amando Moreno 92’+)

D.C. United  (1-1-1, 4 points) – Bill Hamid, James Riley, Brandon McDonald, Dejan Jakovic, Chris Korb, Chris Pontius, Perry Kitchen, Nick DeLeon, Marcelo Saragosa, Dwayne De Rosario (Marcos Sanchez 76’), Lionard Pajoy (Carlos Ruiz 71’)

The New York Red Bulls will hit the road to play against the Montreal Impact on March 23rd with the game airing on MSG.

Images courtesy of New York Red Bulls