On Sunday night, New York Red Bulls punched their ticket to the round of 32 by beating LIGA MX side Atlético San Luis, 2-1. With the win, New York finished at the top of Group East 4.
The headlines for the match may include Dante Vazeir for his goals or goalkeeper Carlos Coronel for his huge penalty save, but the true man of the match was John Tolkin with his two assists that helped the team win the group.
Red Bulls fans are some of the most passionate toward their players and there was a clear example of it during the match. A small fan spent the entire match holding up a banner that read, “John Tolkin, Happy birthday, can you give me your shirt?”
The fan’s patience was rewarded as Tolkin himself visited the fan and gave the fan his jersey.
The other fans around the poster holder were shaking with excitement and congratulating Tolkin on his birthday and the great match he had. They had even forgotten he had committed a penalty late in the match.
John Tolkin and the fans will continue on in Leagues Cup as the New York Red Bulls will take on city rival New York City FC in the round of 32.
