Red Bulls victorious in Leagues Cup finale as Forsberg scores decisive free kick against Guadalajara late in the game
The New York Red Bulls have claimed a thrilling 1-0 victory over Chivas Guadalajara in the Leagues Cup, thanks to a last-gasp free kick goal by Emil Forsberg in the 97th minute.
Forsberg, who came off the bench, delivered the winning strike after teammate Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting won a free kick just outside the box. The goal, which came in injury time, effectively sealed the game at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The Red Bulls' victory was a significant achievement, given that Chivas dominated possession and tested the Red Bulls' goalkeeper multiple times. Forsberg's goal provided a morale boost for the Red Bulls after some challenging weeks leading into the tournament.
Goalkeeper Anthony Marcucci played a crucial role in the victory, making several important saves to keep a clean sheet. Mohammed Sofo had New York's best chance of the first half, but his lobbed shot did not have enough lift.
The Red Bulls' defence was resilient throughout the match, particularly against long balls and diagonal switches to Chivas' wingers. AJ Marcucci started in goal for the Red Bulls for the first time since their U.S. Open Cup win against FC Dallas.
Tim Parker returned to the Red Bulls' backline for the first time since May, while Sandro Schwarz opted to rest Emil Forsberg and Eric Chuopo-Moting, starting 17-year-old Julian Hall and 20-year-old Mohammed Sofo up front.
The match was not without incident, with referee Lukasz Szpala being substituted off due to an altercation involving a Red Bulls player. Chivas found several opportunities to score, with José Castillo continually bombing down the right flank, looking for crosses towards substitute striker Armando González.
A goal scored by Sofo in the second half was ruled offside, while a chance in the 88th minute came close for Chivas, with the ball being played just over González's head. Sofo had another chance to score the winner on a counterattack in the 94th minute, but his shot was weak.
The Sports Illustrated Stadium felt like an away match for the Red Bulls, with Chivas fans cheering loudly for their team and jeering the Red Bulls' fouls. The Red Bulls will face Monterrey next in the Leagues Cup on Sunday at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
[1] Red Bulls win Leagues Cup match against Chivas Guadalajara [2] Emil Forsberg scores dramatic free kick to win Leagues Cup match for Red Bulls [3] New York Red Bulls defeat Chivas Guadalajara in Leagues Cup [4] Red Bulls claim Leagues Cup victory over Chivas Guadalajara
[5] The Red Bulls' victory marks their first win in the Champions League qualifiers this season.[6] With this triumph, the New York Red Bulls have qualified for the knockout stages of European leagues for the first time since 2018.
