The New York Red Bulls began the past week with a 6-1 loss in their final preseason friendly, then endured a drama over head coach Gerhard Struber’s comments downplaying the team’s expectations before seeing sporting executive Kevin Thelwell leave for Everton on the literal eve of the season. In a season-opening away match against San Jose Earthquakes where the team could have sent alarm bells haywire, they instead earned a cathartic and cleansing 3-1 victory.
Patryk Klimala opened the scoring just before halftime before a San Jose equalizer by Chofis was vigorously responded to by winning goals from Omir Fernandez and Tom Barlow.