Bradley Wright-Phillips scored a goal in the 25th minute in New York’s last game against DC.
Match Preview: Undefeated NYRB to face rivals for second time this season
by Anna Ferkingstad, New York Editor
Recent Atlantic Cup games have not ended in DC United’s favor. Both eliminating United from the 2014 postseason and grabbing a 2-0 win in the March 12th face off, the New York Red Bulls hold the advantage entering Saturday’s game at 7pm EST. The history and passion behind this rivalry extends beyond the four hour stretch of I-95 that separates the two clubs. Saturday’s match marks the second meet up for New York and DC in only four games this season.
The Red Bulls are one of two teams (the other being Real Salt Lake) who remain undefeated in this MLS season. Strikers Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lloyd Sam are consistently finding the back of the net while midfielder Dax McCarty has shown both his strength and leadership in the midfield. The red and white club enter the game against DC after a bye week from league play.
Rested and in form, NYRB will again act as formidable opponents for Ben Olsen and his team. United’s loss at Red Bull Arena three weeks ago is fresh in our minds. The 2-0 victory for the Red Bulls was a product of defensive lapses by United’s Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell – two central defenders who left Wright-Phillips unmarked to score the opening goal in the 25th minute.
Sam’s goal came in the 71st minute after an impressive slide tackle from New York in the midfield led to a fast transition and breakaway for the striker. The Red Bull’s offense in 2014 was explosive and high-scoring. Despite this year’s new coaching staff, the 2015 team has demonstrated similar offensive trends. The club has scored a total of five goals in the three games they have played so far. If DC United is to secure a win, their backline will need to communicate marks and play tight on transitions. Starting central defender Steve Birnbaum will be missing the match due to a sprained ankle.
Central midfielder and captain, Dax McCarty, has been key to the Red Bulls success in possession and on offense.
The 2-0 loss on March 22 came largely from the proficiency of the Red Bull’s midfield trio and DC’s inability to contain New York’s connections into the final third. Lucky for DC, Jesse Marsch’s Red Bull side is suffering from several defensive injuries for Saturday’s game. Outside defenders Roy Miller and Ronald Zubar have been announced as doubtful as they handle a knee sprain and hamstring injury.
These absences could be dangerous for New York’s back line that has struggled themselves with finding consistency and following marks. Goalkeeper Luis Robles was a huge reason why New York was able to grab a 2-1 victory against the Columbus Crew in their last game on March 28.
For DC United, the loss against the Red Bull’s was their season opener and they have won the two games played since with a stoppage time goal. But unlike the last Atlantic Cup game, DC is the home team on Saturday. The Red Bulls traditionally perform better in front of their own roaring home crowd, not on the road. It is a rivalry, after all, so this weekend’s match will be aggressive and full of shots. If DC wants the win they needs to contain New York’s fervent strikers; and if the Red Bulls want the win center midfielders McCarty and Sacha Kljestan will need to dominate possession. Although New York has had several strong performances recently, this might be United’s game. I predict a 1-1 tie or a late game winner goal for a 2-1 win to DC.
