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Angel has strong debut as Red Bulls roll

May 20, 2007 - 3:24 AM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- After playing to a scoreless tie against the Columbus Crew in their season opener, the New York Red Bulls had no problem scoring this time around.

Juan Pablo Angel had a goal and two assists and John Wolyniec scored a tally and set up another as the Red Bulls cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Crew on Saturday.

With midfielder Claudio Reyna sidelined for a second straight game with a groin strain, New York opened the scoring when Dane Richards made a crossing pass to Wolyniec, who tallied on a sliding kick from in front in the 17th minute. Goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was out of position on the play, as he attempted to defend the pass.

"Give (John Wolyniec) a lot credit, he played a good game," Red Bulls head coach Bruce Arena said. "He fought for the ball and took advantage of the scoring opportunity he had and he took advagtage of scoring the first goal of the game."

Angel also assisted on the goal, recording his first point as a Red Bull since signing as the team's second designated player. "I think tonight game was different and the offense was better and more quality up front," Angel said. He had been with Aston Villa of Britain prior to joining New York.

Clint Mathis doubled the lead with his 43rd career goal, scoring his fourth this campaign on a header following a throw-in by Todd Dunivant in the 51st minute. Dunivant's throw first was headed by Angel, then by Wolyniec before Mathis buried his header past Gruenebaum.

In the 61st minute, Angel stole a backward pass by Columbus' Marcos Gonzalez in the defensive area and beat Gruenebaum with a hard line shot on a breakaway.

"It was a good pass from the defender and I just had to score and I'm happy I did," said Angel.

Sal Caccavale capped the scoring in the 89th minute with his first tally of the campaign.

The Red Bulls, who posted their fifth shutout in seven games this season, improved to 22-0-5 all-time when Mathis scores a goal.

"I don't know such much about it and it's not a big deal," Mathis said. "I just come out here to score goals and help the team win."

Columbus, which had its winless streak reach three games, allowed just three goals in its first six contests before surpassing that total Saturday.

"I don't think it was a 4-0 game," said Crew coach Sigi Scmid. "I thought we played well and created some opportunitues, had corner kicks and set shots, but just couldn't capitalize."