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Bronx, N.Y. • After coming off of the bench in a 4-3 loss to Columbus on Saturday, regular starters Javier Morales (midfield), Burrito Martinez (forward), and Yura Movsisyan (forward) moved back into the starting lineup Thursday. Their presence proved critical. Movsisyan, who saw limited action against Columbus due to illness, provided the team's first goal, Martinez the second. And Morales' strike led to an own goal on NYCFC's Frederic Brillant.
"That was created luck," said RSL coach Jeff Cassar of Morales' strike. "That was a beautiful [ball] and if Brillant doesn't put the ball in I think Joao [Plato] puts it in."
First start for No. 1 pick Harrison
Jack Harrison, who was selected No. 1 by the Chicago Fire in the MLS Super Draft and later traded to NYCFC, started for the first time. The 19-year-old Harrison, who hails from Stoke-on-Trent, England, and played collegiately for Wake Forest, immediately stood out, dancing between tacklers and showing flair with the ball at his feet.
"It's been a great week, " said Harrison, who made his Major League Soccer debut on May 22 in a 7-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. "[But] I can definitely get better. Things can always get better."
Harrison took a pass from David Villa and ad-libbed for his first MLS goal in the 51st minute. Afterward, Villa embraced him.
Williams in charge
RSL assistant coach Richie Williams served as head coach for the win, with Cassar in the media box following his dismissal in the previous game. Williams was head coach of the U.S. Under-18 and Under-17 national teams prior to joining the Real Salt Lake staff.