The New York Red Bulls are one of the finest teams in North America, but have been stuttering lately and the loss of several top players to the Gold Cup wasn't going to do them any good. With a virtually unrecognisable defensive line and midfield, they were never going to blow the Columbus Crew away - one might have expected a draw. However, the 1-1 result might just end up being season-defining for the hosts, who contrived to throw away a lead that they had held for more than eighty minutes in the dying seconds of injury time.
New York Red Bulls Vs. Columbus Crew: Lake Rich Balchan Strike Sees Game End 1-1
It all seemed to be going so well for New York, who went ahead in the 9th minute courtesy of Medhi Ballouchi. The game was tight but more or less uneventful, and that looked like it would lead to the Red Bulls pulling out their first win in what seems like the past three ice ages. Nope!
In the 93rd minute, a lovely pass worked its to Justin Meram on right wing. The striker, who had come on as a substitute in the 74th minute, beat Matt Kassel into the penalty area whereupon he sent in a low cross that the rest of the home defence completely ignored. Rich Balchan certainly didn't see it, and was on hand to sweep home past a helpless Greg Sutton, denying New York a victory with virtually the last kick of the game. That must have felt worse than a loss for the home side.
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