Midfielder Felipe takes on the Philadelphia Union. Photo Credit: New York Red Bulls
Squad rotation is a must given the fact the MLS is more akin to a marathon than it is a sprint.
The season is long and arduous requiring managers to juggle lineups, budgeting rest and gauging the possibility of dropping points.
Jesse Marsch understands this concept, but perhaps he chose the wrong game to test the New York Red Bulls’ extensive depth. A team comprised of fresh faces, new debutants, and laughably out of position players forfeited three points on the road in a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Kansas City. Realistically New York was never meant to win that game as it came just off the heels of a triumphant victory against the Chicago Fire and tired, first team legs couldn’t bear a tough contest in Kansas. While a Red Bulls team composed mainly of secondary players couldn’t deliver, the positive is many first teamers will have the ample rest needed to tackle the Philadelphia Union.
Through the years this has been a hotly contested match as both teams internalize the I-95 rivalry. There will be thrills and spills that’s for sure. While the Sons of Ben supporters are adept at making for an unwelcome atmosphere for visitors, they have had little to cheer about in the way of the Philadelphia Union’s performance thus far. The Union are ranked dead last in the Eastern Conference with a 0-4-4 record and are still in search of their first win of the season.
Despite a string of lackluster performances, the Union has demonstrated a tenacity and fight which is seemingly inextinguishable. In their second fixture of the season at home against Toronto FC, the Union refused to lay down and die after going down 2-1. Rallying late in the second half, the Union clawed back a sloppy draw via forward Charles Sapong. Philadelphia’s fight was on show in their away loss at the hands of D.C. United. Sapong again delivered some magic late in the second half; a positive takeaway from an otherwise disappointing match.
Among the bright spots for the Union are Sapong, winger Chris Pontius, and midfielder Roland Alberg. The journeyman Pontius rediscovered his form in Philly after being traded to the Union from D.C. United, recording 12 goals last year. Currently, he has two assists under his belt. The acquisition of Roland Alberg in 2016 was something of a revelation for the Union’s midfield as he is one of the most dynamic players they’ve had in years. Thus far, he has two goals in 2017.
.@rolandalberg and @BigAfrika88 are connecting up top: https://t.co/L0MUfdM5VB#JoinOrDie pic.twitter.com/57uiyen2EE
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) April 26, 2017
This is what New York will need to be mindful of; the link-up play between Sapong and Alberg is downright deadly. But, New York has the defensive tools at its disposal necessary to halt Philadelphia’s attack.
Jesse Marsch stated the decision to leave center back Damien Perrinelle out of Wednesday’s match against SKC was up to a matter of preserving fitness, allowing the player to rest after a solid performance against the Fire. While Aurelien Collin is currently “week to week” with an abdominal strain, it is likely Perrinelle will partner with young standout Aaron Long in the heart of the Red Bull defense. A duo with much chemistry, the two center backs have the experience to limit Philly’s goal scoring threat. While Kemar Lawrence will likely start at left back, the right back starting role is very much in contention after Amir Murillo put in a standout shift in his debut against SKC.
With fresh legs, having played little in Wednesday’s match, playmaker Sacha Kljestan and striker Bradley Wright-Phillips will likely return to action Saturday with the two leading the team in assists and goals respectively.
Sacha Kljestan has quite the record against Philly.
Will he ink his name on the scoresheet again? ? #RBNY pic.twitter.com/2ti7PbH0dH
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) May 5, 2017
It seems Kljestan is the Union’s silver bullet as, in three starts against the club, he has managed three goals and two assists.
Ultimately there is little in the way of starting spots which remain a mystery. Marsch noted that midfielder Mike Grella would feature on the bench against the Union after a protracted battle with knee discomfort, but he will likely be eased slowly into the team.
On paper, New York is clearly the favorite having won three of their last four matches and resting at second in the East. If you put stock into stats, the Red Bulls have a 11-5-3 all-time record against the Union.
But nothing in the MLS is ever predictable especially away from home. The Red Bulls have won only one of their five away matches of the season and Philly is a tough opponent. At Talen Energy Stadium, the teams share four wins a piece and two draws. Despite Philly’s poor run of form this will not be a walk in the park and the Red Bulls should expect a tough, physical contest.
The New York Red Bulls will travel to Philadelphia on Saturday, May 6th to take on the Union at Talen Energy Stadium at 7:00 pm.
