A master-class in tactical soccer and a first half goal from Kevin Goldthwaite were more than enough to lift the New York Red Bulls to a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas in front of the largest crowd since opening day at the Giants Stadium. The win was New York’s second straight home victory by the same score and vaulted them into a tie for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

New FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman was handed a rude introduction to MLS, as his team managed only four shots on the night and was repeatedly stifled in midfield by an aggressive and dynamic Red Bulls approach.

“We needed to be able to stay close to them and prevent them from playing freely,” said Osorio. “And I think the team did very well in that regard.”

Playing their second game since their embarrassing 4-1 loss at DC, the Red Bulls came out of the gate with energy all over the field. Their inspiration implied they were out to prove to their boss that he made the right choice picking the same starting team in consecutive games for the first time this season.

“After the disappointing performance in DC, we had a long conversation with the coach,” said Red Bull midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic. “As long as we give our best effort we’re going to be in every single game.”

The second year forward’s effort paid nearly paid off in the 7th minute. A nice bit of work in the corner freed Dane Richards, whose driven cross was volleyed spectacularly by Ubiparipovic and only just pushed around the post by Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala.

After carrying most of the play early on, New York’s breakthrough came in the 16 minute, as a Ubiparipovic’s wicked inswinging corner found a charging Goldthwaite at the far post. The goal was the defender’s second of the season, but he wasn’t able to enjoy for long, as he was replaced by Jeff Parke just eight minutes later after managing to pull both his hamstrings.

Despite the early injury, New York was comfortably in command of the game. Seth Stammler and Carlos Mendes snuffed out any Dallas moves in the midfield as Osorio constantly adjusted and shifted his players around the chessboard. Mendes, playing his second straight game in a defensive midfield role, looked increasingly comfortable as the game progressed.

“With a team like that, you have to be physical and you can’t give them a lot of time,” said Mendes. “We were confident and got the three points.”

The loss was the fourth straight on the road for FC Dallas and their new head coach, and things don’t get any easier for Hyndman and his squad as they travel to Houston for a midweek fixture.

“I’m still getting to know the players’ names,” said Hyndman. “We’ve only had a couple of days of training with them to try to instill some ideas.”

The Red Bulls, on the other hand, seem to have finally grown comfortable with their new boss. His hands-on style was on display on the sideline, sleeves rolled up, as he constantly tweaked and adjusted his charges’ tactics throughout the game.

“This team is growing in confidence, and we played from the back into the middle,” said Osorio. “Hopefully, we can build on that.”

New York will take any momentum it may have gained on the road, as they start a string of four straight games west of the Mississippi with a midweek friendly against Chivas Guadalajara.

“It’s a great opportunity, especially for the young players, to play against top competition from Mexico. Next weekend, we play Chivas USA at their place, so it should be a very good game to be a part of and hopefully we can get a good result.”

Result or no, the sleeves will certainly be rolled up.