The New York Red Bulls snapped a two-game losing streak after 17 year old Caden Clark scored in his first MLS game, propelling his team to a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday night.
Clark signed with the Red Bulls earlier on Saturday following a trade with Minnesota United. His goal in the 47th minute came following a header-attempt off the team’s lone corner kick of the game that deflected to Clark outside the 18-yard box, who proceeded to blast a right-footed shot past Atlanta goalie Brad Guzan.
“The ball came right to me and I was fortunate enough to hit it in the right spot,” Clark said.
Although the Red Bulls (7-2-8) did not lead in possession (44%) and took two fewer shots than Atlanta, Clark’s fourth goal of his major league career (three with Red Bulls II) was enough to secure the win. Clark is the fifth youngest player in league history to score on his MLS debut.
“I didn’t believe it and I still don’t believe it,” Clark said. “It hasn’t hit me yet.”
The Red Bulls had a chance to double the lead after Kyle Duncan came close to beating Guzan in the 60th minute, but fired wide. Dru Yearwood came on as a substitute and hit the goal post in the 85th minute.
United had a chance in stoppage time of the second half but goalie Ryan Meara stopped Emerson Hyndman‘s one-on-one shot. Jon Gallagher’s rebound attempt was deflected wide for a corner.
The game marked the fourth win in eight games under interim head coach Bradley Carnell.
Atlanta, who failed to capitalize on several chances, are now hanging on to one of the 10 Eastern Conference playoff spots by just one point over Inter Miami. The Red Bulls sit at No. 6.
The Red Bulls will look to add another win to the win column on Wednesday night against No. 1 Toronto FC (10-4-2).
(Photo: @NewYorkRedBulls Twitter)
