Orlando City 0-1 New York Red Bulls: summary, score, goals, highlights Cup Playoffs
Orlando City - New York Red Bulls: Live updates
New York Red Bull triumph in Eastern Conference Final.
Few gave them a chance heading into the postseason but the New York Red Bulls have upset the odds to return to MLS Cup for the first time in 16 years. It wasn't always pretty but the Red Bulls frustrated Orlando at Inter&Co Stadium, taking their chance when it came.
The decisive goal came from a brilliant curling delivery from John Tolkin, bravely headed home by Andres Reyes at the back post.
A famous victory for Sandro Schwartz' side, who now find themselves just 90 minutes away from the first championship in the Red Bull's 29-year history.
New York Red Bulls cherish historic playoff run.
"This is why I came. I'm so proud of the the guys because everyone is working for each other."
"I came here because I wanted the challenge, to be a leader and to bring people forward... Now I'm back, feeling fine, and I'm just so proud of the guys."
New York Red Bulls set for championship game!
What a story! Few fancied the New York Red Bulls going into the postseason but they have been outstanding over four games, keeping three clean sheets and taking their chances when they arrive.
Brilliant from Sandro Schwartz' men.
Peeeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeeeep!
The New York Red Bulls are heading to MLS Cup! A hard-fought victory for the Red Bulls who come out 1-0 winners in Orlando.
Muriel picks up the ball on the edge of the box and fires a low effort across the face of goal. It takes a deflection, but there's no one there to connect for the hosts.
Red Bulls clear!
Is there going to be one last chance for Orlando City? The Red Bulls win a goal kick and will take their time over it.
The home crowd is quiet now, sensing that they are running out of time here...
Orlando win the ball back and swiftly boot it up-field but it's starting to look a little aimless. Carlos Coronel comes out and claims the ball, killing a few more seconds.
NYRB break with Elias Manoel who storms up-field but is tackled by a sharp-footed Gallese, sprinting out from his goal. The chance goes begging but the Red Bulls do win a free kick, midway into the Orlando half.
Orlando win a corner kick on the left. Lodeiro delivers but NYRB head it clear and race up the other end...
We're going to have five minutes of added time!
Orlando start form the back with Pedro Gallese. The ball is pumped forward towards McGuire but the Red Bulls head it clear. Carmona does well in the left back position for NYRB and wins his team a throw-in.
There's a real sense of nervousness around Inter&Co Stadium now. Orlando have rallied in the last 20 minutes but they haven't been able to force any clear-cut chances.
That first effort opening for Facundo Torres remains Orlando's best chance of the game. Will the Lions' top scorer be made to rue that squandered chance?
The ball is whipped in but Orlando can't get a decisive touch. The loose ball bounces into the arms of Carlos Coronel.
Good work from Ojeda on the left flank, winning his team a corner kick. We're into the final minutes now...
Double chance for the Red Bulls with Forsberg and Harper coming off. Donkor and Manoel come on in their place.
Luis Muriel skies big chance!
There haven't been many chances for Orlando but a loose ball falls at the feet of Muriel. He scuffs his shot and it spins well wide of the target.
A touch of class from Emil Forsberg to bring a long pass under control and hold possession, allowing his teammates to get up the field for a few moments.
It doesn't last long. Orlando are soon back on the ball, and back on the attack.
The corner kick is rebuffed by the Red Bulls but Orlando are quickly back on the ball.
Groans from the home crowd as Cameron Harper goes down clutching his leg.
It looks like a touch of cramp as Orlando wait to defend a corner kick.
He's not had much success this season but Luis Muriel has looked like a livewire for Orlando since his entrance. He's dropping deep and getting on the ball well.
He looks as likely as anyone to find that crucial goal.
There's a half chance for Duncan McGuire as he runs in behind the NYRB defence but his ambitious, left-footed effort is off-target.
Orlando pushing for a leveller in Eastern Conference Final.
Oscar Pareja's side has definitely upped the tempo in the last few minutes, pinning the Red Bulls back inside their own penalty box. There's plenty of attacking talent on the field now for the hosts but can they draw level?
Just 12 minutes of normal time remaining now.
Cross cross from Santos on the left causes chaos in the NYRB box. There's half chances for Angulo and Torres but the Red Bulls stand strong, Sean Nealis heading clear at the back post.
The Red Bulls survive.
Strong defending from Peter Stroud to clean up on the edge of his own box and get his team back on the offensive. The Red Bulls try to counter-attack but the chance fizzles out with Morgan.
Orlando are definitely the dominant force in this game but they're struggling to make much headway against a resolute Red Bulls defence. It might need a moment of magic from someone to tie the game.
And another Orlando substitution. Nicolas Lodeiro replaces Wilder Cartagena.
Double change for the Red Bulls.
Dante Vanzeir and Andres Reyes are replaced. Wikelman Carmona and Noah Elie come on.
As we approach the final 20 minutes, it looks like Oscar Pareja is readying the experienced Nicolas Lodeiro for Orlando. Does he have another crucial playoff intervention in him?
It's Martin Ojeda who strikes the free kick and thumps the ball straight into the defensive wall.
Reyes is down after being struck. The referee stops play so he can receive treatment.
Slick move forward from Orlando and Luis Muriel wins a free kick on the edge of the box, tripped by Sean Nealis.
Good shooting position for Orlando from the free kick, around 25 yards from goal.
It looks like Orlando have switched to a back three, with Torres and Angulo now operating as wing-backs. It's a more offensive set-up for the hosts but it'll leave space on the flanks for Morgan and Vanzeir to exploit.
Huge appeals for a second yellow card as Andres Reyes catches McGuire with a high boot. The Red Bulls defender is very lucky to avoid a red card there!
Two strikers enter for Orlando, suggesting a change of shape. McGuire is starting as the lead striker, with Muriel playing a more reserved role.
Double change for the hosts as Ramiro Enrique and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson are replaced.
Luis Muriel and Duncan McGuire enter the fray.
The corner kick is whipped in and Robin Jansson takes a tumble in the middle. The Orlando defender thinks he was fouled but the referee thinks otherwise.
Goal kick to NYRB.
Good spell of possession from Orlando and they win a corner kick on the right.
The noise levels inside the stadium increase in anticipation...
Orlando are starting to up their tempo a little now. They're playing a bit faster in possession, pressing higher up when the Red Bulls have it.
Watch: Andres Reyes goal edges NYRB ahead.
Here it is, that John Tolkin delivery in all its glory. Brave header from Andres Reyes, too, risking a nasty collision with the post to ensure that he got the decisive touch.
Good ball forward from Orlando finds Angulo running in behind on the left flank. He battles for it well against Harper but ends up giving away a foul.
Good defensive work from Harper, again.
Orlando make good progress down the left and fashion some room for Santos to cross. His delivery is heading towards Martin Ojeda in the middle but Nealis gets up well to clear for the Red Bulls.
The game's opening up now!
It's Tolkin who takes it again and it's another good cross. This time he aims for Lewis Morgan but the Scot can't make a clean connection at the back post.
Red Bolls come forward again with Lewis Morgan on the right flank. He tries to curl in a low cross but the right but it's deflected behind for a corner kick.
Andres Reyes goal puts Red Bulls ahead.
It's Reyes who gets his name on the scoresheet but that delivery from John Tolkin - a curling cross from the right flank - was what made the goal. You really can't given NYRB chances to cross like that, or you'll be punished.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL! Andres Reyes
Brilliant whipped delivery from Tolkin and the big defender is there to nod the ball home at the back post.
The Red Bulls lead!
Angulo is penalised for a clumsy challenge on Harper near the Orlando corner flag. Good chance for the Red Bulls to deliver from the right here.
John Tolkin is standing over it...
And we're back!
The second half is underway in Orlando. Everything still to play for...
Can Orlando City take their chances in second half?
The New York Red Bulls enjoyed more of the ball in the first half but Orlando City looked dangerous on the break, taking advantage of their pacey attacking players. The likes of Angulo and Facu Torres nearly found breakthrough in the first half, will they prove decisive in the second?
Huge Coronel save keeps it level.
He's come up with many big saves for the Red Bulls in this incredible playoff run and Carlos Coronel has proved his value once again this evening. It was a slick break from Orlando that capitalised on the Red Bulls' high press. Coronel did brilliantly to deny Facundo Torres a fifth goal of the postseason.
Nothing to choose between the teams at the halfway mark.
Conference finals are often cagey affairs and this one is no different. The Red Bulls dominated the early stages but Orlando have kept them at arm's length and posed a real threat on the counter-attack.
Halftime: Orlando City 0-0 New York Red Bulls.
A tense first half comes to a close in Orlando.
The hosts had the best chance of the game but another crucial save from Carlos Coronel keeps the scores level at the break.
We're going to have two minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Into the final minutes of the first half now. Still all square, can either team find the breakthrough before half time?
Dante Vanzeir does well to drift inside from the right flank and work himself a narrow angle. His right-footed strike hits the side netting and the assistant's flag is up.
Good recovery work from Enrique to break up a promising NYRB move. His off-the-ball work is a real asset.
Red Bulls come right up the other end with Lewis Morgan, weaving through the challenges. He makes space for a shot from the edge of the box by his left-footed effort is blocked by Robin Jansson.
Brilliant work from Enrique to pinch the ball off the NYRB defence. He twists and turns, trying to make space for a shot, but he's eventually crowded out.
Wilder Cartagena is penalised for a shove on Forsberg in the midfield. Free kick for the Red Bulls, another good chance to deliver into the box.
It's curled in by Tolkin but drifts harmlessly out for a goal kick.
The quality in the midfield has suffered so far, passing lanes strangled by the relentless pressing from both teams.
It's Forsberg who whips in a cross, flicked towards goal by Dante Vanzeir. Gallese is stranded in the Orlando goal but watches with relief as the ball drifts just wide of the top corner.
Red Bulls free kick awarded around 30 yards from goal, on the left. Either Forsberg or Tolkin to deliver...
That was a perfect example of the threat that Orlando pose. They had three forwards charging forward in that counter-attack, any of whom could have had a shot on goal.
The pace in this frontline is frightening.
Huge save from Coronel!
Lightening-quick counter-attack from Orlando finds Ojeda sprinting in behind. He squares the ball to Facundo Torres with plenty of time to pick his spot but Carlos Coronel makes a brilliant diving save!
First big chance of the game.
Plenty of graft in the opening half an hour.
Conference finals are often tense affairs and this one is no different. The stakes are high, both sets of players are desperate to avoid making a costly mistake.
Combative challenge in the middle from Daniel Edelman on Enrique but the referee award the Red Bulls the free kick.
Good recovery from Andres Reyes to prevent Ramiro Enrique from latching onto a clipped ball forward. Orlando starting to pose some questions now.
After an assured start from the Red Bulls the game has got bitty in the past few minutes, neither team managing to build any real momentum.
The free kick is swung in by Ojeda but the referee spots a foul by an Orlando player in the box. Free kick for the Red Bulls, inside their own box.
Andres Reyes
The NYRB defender goes into the book for that challenge.
Andres Reyes gives away a clumsy foul midway inside the NYRB half, giving the hosts another good chance to deliver.
Orlando have a good crossing position with a free kick on the right. Swung in with pace but the Red Bulls clear it well.
The game restarts after a break for the head injuries.
Red Bulls are back on the offensive, playing long towards Morgan but finding only the grateful arms of Pedro Gallese in the Orlando goal.
Full house in Orlando for Eastern Conference Final.
The Lions have home advantage for tonight's game and the Orlando support is making itself heard inside Inter&Co Stadium.
Clash of heads on the halfway line as Ramiro Enrique and Dylan Nealis compete in the air. Both players receive a once-over from the medical staff but they'll be fine to continue.
After a quarter of an hour, the Red Bulls have definitely been the animating force in tonight's game.
Having said that, Orlando have looked dangerous on the break with pacey runners in their frontline. It's looking like a game of cat and mouse is starting to unfold.
Late challenge from Cameron Harper on the edge of the Orlando box. It's a mistimed tackle on Angulo and Harper is a little lucky to avoid a booking.
The enthusiasm of the home crowd has not been dimmed by this slow start from Orlando. The capacity crowd is making a good noise.
Ivan Angulo is the out-ball for Orlando, who are looking for the Colombian at every opportunity early on.
Good combination from Ojeda and Angulo on the left for Orlando, finding a crossing position. Edelman gets back to clear for the Red Bulls but concedes the throw-in.
Better from the hosts.
Oscar Pareja is gesticulating wildly on the touchline. He can sense that his Orlando side are being overwhelmed from the off here.
Good link-up between Forsberg and Vanzeir for NYRB, getting the visitors back up the field. They win another throw-in high up.
This has been an impressive start from the Red Bulls.
NYRB win a throw-in high up on the right wing. Harper tries to hurl a long one into the middle but it's easily cleared. The Red Bulls try to swing in another cross from the right but it's poor and drifts behind for a goal kick.
The Lions mount a sharp counter-attack but Nealis does well to stem their progress on the left flank. Good work from the right-back.
Good spell of possession for the Red Bulls now, knocking it around nicely in front of a packed Orlando crowd.
Orlando come forward now with Angulo, making a darting run in behind the NYRB backline. His touch is a bit lose and the ball bounces through to Coronel in goal, but that's an early sign of what's to come.
Early pressure from the Red Bulls as they find John Tolkin in space on the left. He whips in a teasing low cross but it's well cleared at the front post by Jansson.
And we're off!
The Eastern Conference final is underway...
We're nearly ready for the off!
The teams are out. The fans are primed, We could be in for a cracker!
NYRB fans tuning in.
It's a sell-out in Orlando this evening and there will be many more watching on from elsewhere. Particularly in New Jersey, where bars are packed with NYRB fans.
Orlando City stick with winning formula.
For the fifth postseason game in a row, Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja names the same starting XI. The performances of midfielders Wilder Cartagena and Cesar Araujo have been particularly impressive, providing a defensive shield and showing off an impressive passing range.
The New York Red Bulls frontman has enjoyed a remarkable season, leading his team into the Eastern Conference final and bagging the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award. Here's what Morgan had to say earlier this year in an exclusive interview with AS USA...
“I don’t really think that many people had lofty expectations of this group at the start of the year. And you can take it personally, you can use that as a driving factor."
Will Emil Forsberg be decisive for Red Bulls?
Injury and international commitments may have limited Emil Forsberg to just 15 regular season starts this year but he has proved a transformational signing for the New York Red Bulls. He provided nine goals and five assists in those games and has been a focal point of their attacking play in the postseason.
The New York Red Bulls overcame New York City FC in the Conference Semi-final. / Angel Colmenares / EFE
Red Bulls ready to challenge for MLS Cup.
Few expected a long post-season run from the New York Red Bulls but they have overperformed in the playoffs.
“Every result, every positive result gives you confidence in self, confidence in your quality and in the preparation in every training session, for sure,” head coach Sandro Schwartz said ahead of the trip to Orlando.
“But when it’s kickoff on Saturday, you have to show it directly, immediately in every situation in the new game. We are in a very good spot. Training sessions are very well, but this is what we have to show on Saturday in our Eastern Conference final.”
The New York Red Bulls have not been consistent this year but they have hit real heights when everything goes their way. They've thrived in the postseason pressure so far, are they finally ready to break their MLS Cup duck?
'The biggest game in Orlando City's history'
Big words from the man in charge of this Orlando City team, and you'd have to say that he has a point. Few expected a postseason charges after a bleak start to 2024 but Orlando have turned things around, second only to Inter Miami in terms of points gained in the second half of the season.
Can they make it to MLS Cup?
Kickoff approaches in Orlando!
There's little over half an hour to go until kickoff now. Orlando will probably go into the game as narrow favourites, owing to the home advantage, but the Red Bulls have pulled off some major upsets this season and will fancy their chances against anyone in a one-off game.
Purple on the march for Eastern Conference Final.
The home crowd at Inter&Co Stadium have never previously witness a Conference final and the anticipation is high for tonight's clash. Last year felt like a wasted opportunity after a stellar regular season performance.
Have they timed their run perfectly this time around?
Recap: Red Bulls triumph in first-ever postseason NY derby.
The Hudson River Derby has become one of the most heated rivalries in MLS in recent years and, for the first time, the two New York teams met in the playoffs. The Red Bulls beat New York City FC on their own patch, with some predictably feisty scenes on the fulltime whistle.
Recap: Orlando see off Atlanta United.
Orlando City bagged a big semi-final victory over Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semi-final. A single goal from in-form Enrique Ramiro was enough to see the Lions through, cementing his place in the starting XI for tonight's game.
No changes for in-form Orlando.
Head coach Oscar Pareja sticks with the same team that triumphed over Atlanta United in the Conference semi-final. Orlando have conceded just one goal in four postseason outings.
Confirmed New York Red Bulls starting XI.
Here's how the visitors line up this evening. Sean Nealis is fit to play after a fitness scar, but Felipe Carballo misses out due to foot injury.
Pareja not interfering with Orlando momentum.
"We have tried this week to stay concentrated on our responsibility and the opportunity that we have... We're very proud that the group has achieved this for the club and fans, but we're eager to go for much more than that. The boys are ready, so I try not to interfere too much.
"We don't need to do anything different. It's the most important [match] but I hope I can say this after the next game when there's another one that's more important."
What a turnaround it has been.
Orlando had won just three of their first 17 MLS games, leaving them second-from-bottom in the Eastern Conference at the halfway stage. But what followed was a remarkable turnaround as Oscar Pareja’s side won 12 of the remaining 17 fixtures to book their place in the postseason.
Now, they're on the cusp of a first-ever MLS Cup final appearance...
Emil Forsberg in the house.
The New York Red Bulls captain is looking relaxed as he arrives at Inter&Co Stadium for tonight's Eastern Conference final. Forsberg has been decisive for the Red Bulls this season, can he fire them into the final.
Red Bulls star riding the crest of a wave.
“Obviously. I think winning breeds confidence, and we’ve stepped up to the challenge. In the playoffs, we were written off against Columbus and beat them twice, and then we went to our biggest rivals, or one of our biggest rivals in their home stadium and knock them off as well. So, confidence couldn’t be higher.
“Yeah, there’s been lots of ups and downs. Of course, we didn’t end the season the regular season [the way] we wanted to, but I think we’ve embraced the fact that it’s a new competition, and the group’s galvanized, and it looks like we’ve got a second wind at the very right time.”
Orlando City, history makers?
Few would have thought, after winning just four of their first 20 games, that it would be Orlando City flying the flag for Florida in the Conference Final. Inter Miami may have dominated the regular season but it's Orlando who have thrived in the playoffs, now standing just two games away from becoming the first Floridian team to win MLS Cup.
The New York Red Bulls are preparing for their biggest fixture in years but the Front Office has been busy in recent days, securing the signature of striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. You can be sure that Eric will be eagerly watching along tonight.
Red Bulls fans making themselves heard in Orlando.
NYRB may not have home advantage this evening but their travelling supporters will not let that stop them. After 29 years without a championship, the Red Bulls fans are praying that the team can finally end their wait for an MLS Cup.
New York Red Bulls team news.
The Red Bulls come into this game with real confidence from the Hudson River Derby victory but they did suffer injuries against NYCFC. Sean Nealis was substituted in the second half having sustained a knock to the head, while Felipe Carballo is also battling against a foot injury.
Sandro Schwartz will be hoping to have both available this evening.
The final four face off today in the MLS Cup Conference Finals, with a place in next Saturday's grand final up for grabs. Here's a look at what's in store today...
The scene is set in Orlando.
The Lions have hosting privileges for tonight's game, the final time that the Orlando crowd will see this team on home turf this season.
MLS Eastern Conference Final: Live!
After a gruelling MLS season, only four teams are left in the hunt for the 2024 MLS Cup.
Two of them - Orlando City and New York Red Bulls - have not looked like potential champions at points this year but they've managed to turn it on when it matters and find themselves in the Eastern Conference final.
It will be a historic day for one of these two teams, but which? We're about to find out...