Kaku debuts in backup/reserve loss to Phoenix
February 24, 2018 (Official Game Summary)
The New York Red Bulls dropped their final contest of the Mobile Mini Sun Cup to host side Phoenix Rising FC, 2-1. Despite the defeat, New York saw for the first time their newest Designated Player Alejandro "Kaku" Romero Gamarra, since announcing the completion of his transfer last week.
Kaku saw 57 minutes, starting at the traditional number 10 position in the middle of the pitch as the Red Bulls began in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Four minutes in, New York earned a free kick just outside the Phoenix penalty area. Kaku took it and sent it over the wall but it was saved right into the keeper's hands.
Ben Mines would be the recipient of a right-footed looping ball from Kaku over the top of the defense in the 16th minute. His run ended in a kick save from Phoenix's keeper.
Phoenix opened the scoring in the 28th minute executing a counterattack to perfection off a New York corner. They would double that lead in the 54th minute as the head referee called a handball in favor of Phoenix. Didier Drogba would step to the spot and catch James Hickok diving the wrong way.
In the 65th minute, New York grabbed a goal back to cut the deficit to one coming from a Brian White chip received from Amando Moreno.
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