Video: 3 former Celtic players all score in pulsating MLS match

By David Walton

May 19, 2022

3 former Celtic players all managed to find the back of the net for New York Red Bulls in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Chicago Fire in last night’s MLS action.

Indeed, it’s fair to say that Lewis Morgan, Cameron Harper, and Patryk Klimala weren’t known for their success at Parkhead. But all 3 appear to be enjoying life in the Big Apple as they produced the goods in a ferocious game against a Xherdan Shaqiri-inspired Chicago side.

The official New York Red Bulls Twitter account has published highlights of the contest, which ended with Klimala netting a late equaliser in added time:

Morgan gave New York the lead from the penalty spot before a surprising turnaround had Chicago 2-1 ahead before the 50-minute mark. Harper’s effort then somehow found its way in after a howler from Fire’s goalkeeper Gabriel Slolina.

Shaqiri looked to have won it for Chicago 2 minutes from time. However, step up former Celtic hitman Klimala to slot home in the dying seconds and get a valuable point for his side.

The result means the ex-Celts sit 5th in the Eastern Conference, just one point off table-toppers Philadelphia Union.

Former Celtic players doing the business with MLS

It didn’t work out for any of the 3 players at Parkhead, but one look at their numbers will show you that they’re doing just fine with NYRB.

Klimala signed for the club back in April 2021 for what was a record-breaking fee for New York. Since then, he’s gone on to rack up a fine contribution with 12 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances [Transfermarkt]. Despite having to settle for substitute roles in recent weeks, the Polish under-21 international has featured in all but one of their MLS matches.

Harper’s departure from Celtic to New York came as a big disappointment at the time. He joined a month before Klimala and has struggled to break into the first-team squad. But he appears to be coming into some form with 2 goals and an assist in his last 3 outings as game-time finally starts to pick up.

As for Morgan, he had already made a big impact in the MLS with Inter Miami before his move to the Red Bulls. During his debut campaign in the States, he was given the club’s MVP award as he became an essential cog in the David Beckham-owned club.

Lewis only joined New York back in December, but his impact is there for all to see even at this early stage. 6 goals and an assist in 12 appearances for the club reads well for a left-winger [Transfermarkt].

Credit to all 3 for their impact last night as they continue to search for success after their disappointing Parkhead spells.

In other news, “Terrific manager”; Class remarks on Ange emerge from the Celtic dressing room