sport news Omir Fernandez stunner breathes new life into New York Red Bulls by beating ... trends now

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What a difference a week has made for the New York Red Bulls. Unpopular coach Gerhard Struber has been replaced by Troy Lesesne, and they've beaten their two fierce rivals with goals from Omir Fernandez.

A stubborn performance of patience, grit and discipline was rewarded in the 76th minute when Fernandez struck for his second goal in as many games, firing a sublimely controlled strike beyond Luis Barraza and igniting the Red Bull Arena.

It's three points that lifts Red Bulls up out of last place in the Eastern Conference and breaths new life into a team that only a week ago, looked desperately stuck in a rut under Struber.

The Red Bulls had to play patient and didn't offer too much in attack before Fernandez struck, despite this being a derby. But New York City struggled to frighten the defense much, either.

The aggression and energy pouring out of the Red Bull south stand failed to inject any impetus into the team itself in the first 20 minutes. Lesesne's men were playing the game, not the occasion and sat at the bottom of the standings, they would need time to find their way.