Lloyd Sam scored New York Red Bulls’ second goal of the game as they secured a 2-0 home victory over DC United.
Over 21,000 packed into the Red Bull Arena for the side’s first home game of the season and they weren’t disappointed as Jesse Marsch’s outfit picked up the points against the Black and Red.
The Red Bulls deserved the victory after largely dominating this contest from start to finish and managed to create several chances that were spawned by the club’s forwards.
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored his first goal of the season on 25 minutes when he received a long ball from Dax McCarty before hammering home past United keeper Bill Hamid.
The goal buoyed the home crowd—keen to see the team return to action in style—and the Red Bulls upped the ante as the half wore on.
On the 71st minute they doubled their lead through Sam, who is enjoying a superb start to the new season. The winger received a pass from Wright-Phillips before sending a smart shot past the hapless Hamid.
United had a late opportunity to reduce the arrears after a Matt Miazga foul in the box, but Chris Pontius was unable to hit the target with his wayward spotkick.
Having lost their opening game, it was imperative that Marsch’s side got their Eastern conference campaign off the ground, and in DC United they found willing opponents.
Sam’s goal was his second of the season so far—after two matches he is one of only four players to have scored two or more having only played two matches so far this term. That elite quartet is completed by Obafemi Martins, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey—admirable company.
Sam was born in Leeds and played for his hometown club, as well as the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic before crossing the Atlantic in 2012. The 30-year-old has one cap for England’s U20 side and was previously called up to the Ghana national team without yet having made his debut.
