Wright-Phillips double helps NY Red Bulls beat FC Cincinnati

ByESPN staff ESPN logo
Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The New York Red Bulls rallied from two goals down with a Bradley Wright-Phillips double to beat FC Cincinnati 3-2 in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals at Nippert Stadium on Tuesday night.

Cincinnati, looking to become just the second non-MLS side to reach the USOC cup final since 2000, got off to a dream start before their rivals from the senior circuit clawed back the win.

Corben Bone fired home the opener for Cincinnati in the 31st minute from a Danni Konig assist to give the hosts a shock lead.

And the surprises continued in the second half whenAustin Berry rose above the New York defense to double Cincinnati's lead from a Kenney Walker corner just past the hour mark.

But second-half substitute Gonzalo Veron would help inspire the rally for the MLS side, poking home from close range after the ball fell to him in front of the Cincinnati goal to cut the lead in half in the 75th minute.

Then three minutes later Wright-Phillips redirected a Tyler Adams cross into goal for the equalizer with an inch-perfect header to make it 2-2.

With the end of regular time approaching, Wright-Phillips smashed another header off the crossbar and an on-target Veron shot was saved byMitch Hildebrandt as the game went to extra time.

And it would be Wright-Phillips again in extra time, looping a headed shot from a Sal Zizzo cross past Hildebrant to send the Red Bulls to the final and end upstart Cincinnati's dream Open Cup run.

The Red Bulls will face Sporting Kansas City, who beat San Jose on penalties, in the final with a date yet to be determined.

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