Orlando City took a tough result on Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls for the second time this season. But despite the loss, there’s a big reason for optimism heading out of this game – Chris Mueller is getting hot.
After starting the year with just two assists in his first seven games, Mueller has gone on a tear since coming back from the international break, with a goal contribution in each of his last four matches and goals in each of his last two. The forward was named Heineken Man of the Match for his most recent performance against RBNY.
Mueller should have scored in the 16th minute, but for a spectacular one-handed save by Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel, who went full stretch to keep Mueller’s curling effort out of the bottom corner. Mueller then barely missed over the bar later in the first half, consistently getting himself into dangerous positions.
His hard work paid off in the 59th minute. Daryl Dike pounced on a poor dribble by Red Bulls center back Sean Nealis, winning the ball and finding Mauricio Pereyra, who unselfishly fed Mueller in perfect position to score.
Mueller took three shots and provided one key pass on the night. He also hit on both of his crosses, won four of his seven duels and provided a tackle and four ball recoveries on the defensive end.
