Red Bulls defender Sean Nealis was down on the ground for several minutes after colliding hard with New York City FC defender Justin Haak in the 59th minute of Saturday’s Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
The scary moment occurred as the two players went for a ball inside the Red Bulls’ box and slammed into one another, with Nealis getting the worst of it.
Nealis appeared as though he was hit in the head with an elbow before his head slammed onto the ground as he fell.
A hush came over Citi Field as the players from both teams looked on with a level of concern on their faces.
Haak was OK after a moment, but the training staff thoroughly examined the Red Bulls defender.
At one point, a stretcher was brought out for Nealis, but he was eventually able to get back up on his own and walk off the field.
The delay lasted several minutes before the match restarted.
The Red Bulls later announced Nealis had a concussion.
Noah Eile came into the match for Nealis in the 62nd minute.
At the time of the injury, the Red Bulls had held a 2-0, striking twice in the first half.
Felipe Carballo scored in the 16th minute, and Dante Vanzeir notched another one in the 25th minute.
Saturday’s MLS Cup Playoff match was the first time the Red Bulls and NYCFC have faced one another in the postseason.
