San Jose, CA – Seven Months ago, the New York Red Bulls graced the field at Red Bull Arena for the first time. In front of a sold-out crowd of 25,000, they dispatch the much heralded Santos FC of Brazil 3-1. The first EVER goal at the crown-jewel of MLS was scored by a little known Estonian international named Joel Lindpere.
One week later, the New York Red Bulls suited up for their Regular season debut against the Chicago Fire in front of another sold-out crowd, and again the little known Estonian would be the one to score the first EVER Regular Season goal at Red Bull Arena.
Fast-forward seven months to the final game of the 2010 Regular Season, with the Red Bulls needing a win against the New England Revolution to clinch 1st place in the Eastern Conference and secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, nursing a 1-0 lead on a goal by the newly resurgent Jamaican, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere sealed the victory and capped off the miraculous worst-to-first turnaround for the Red Bulls with the LAST regular season goal this season at Red Bull Arena. So, having dispatched the Revolution 2-0 at home, the Red Bulls hit the road to San Jose to face the San Jose Earthquakes in the first round of the MLS Playoffs as the #1 seed in the East.
The first 45 minutes saw the Red Bulls withstand some early pressure from the home team and eventually begin to dominate possession. With only Quakes goalkeeper (John Busch) preventing the Red Bulls from scoring on several occasions, the game ended 0-0 at halftime. The second-half began with the Red Bulls applying significant attacking pressure which eventually paid-off in the 55th minute. And, of course having already solidified himself as a Red Bull Legend and walking trivia question, Joel Lindpere added to his mystical aura by pouncing on an errant rebound, sliding through the Quakes defense, and placing a shot to the far post past a diving John Busch, scoring the first Red Bull goal of the 2010 MLS Playoffs.
On Thursday, the New York Red Bulls march into Red Bull Arena holding a 1-0 advantage in the 2 game total goals elimination series over San Jose. We await to see what else the now known Estonian hero can pull out of his magical mystery hat.
Go Red Bulls!
Peace
G
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