After a two-month break, Red Bull New York return to action against the rival Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night.
Last time out, the Red Bulls earned a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City with forward Jorge Ruvalcaba netting a brace at Sporting Park on May 23.
Should the Red Bulls secure a road win on Wednesday, it will be New York’s fourth victory in five matches. A win or draw would push the Red Bulls’ undefeated streak to five.
Michael Bradley Demands Consistency From Red Bull New York
That kind of consistency is exactly what head coach Michael Bradley is looking for his squad to achieve.
“We have really used the summer period to push our ideas and our way of playing to really see if we can raise the level and the consistency with which we play every time we step on the field,” Bradley said during Monday’s pre-match press conference. “That has been the main focus as we get ready for Philadelphia.”
The Red Bulls prepared for Wednesday’s contest by simulating the pitch conditions at Chester, Pennsylvania’s Subaru Park. RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center includes eight grass fields, including one Bermuda grass surface that closely emulates Subaru Park’s Tahoma 31 Bermuda sod.
“As we get even closer to the match, for sure we start to look closer at them and some of the things that we think we can expect,” Bradley explained. “Obviously, part of that is what it’s like to go and play in that stadium, combined with their style of play and what they want games to look like. We’re going to make sure that when that whistle blows, we’re ready.”
The Union are currently last among all MLS clubs, having collected just seven points through 15 matches played. Philadelphia haven’t earned a victory since April 11 when they prevailed 2-1 away to CF Montréal.
Red Bull New York Players Expect a Fight in Philadelphia
It’s often said that form goes out the window when rivals get together. That’s probably especially true given that both clubs haven’t played a competitive match since late May.
“It’ll be important to start strong, so we’re going to come out flying,” defender Dylan Nealis stated.
Midfielder Adri Mehmeti predicts that Wednesday’s meeting will be a scrappy affair.
“This rivalry is always a big game,” Mehmeti told South Ward Central. “It doesn’t matter where they are in the standings, where we are in the standings; we always know it’s going to be a fight. We know how they play, and we’re going to have to match that and play with quality when we have the ball and be brave.”
There is a clear animosity between the clubs. Midfielder Ronald Donkor was asked by South Ward Central about his experiences playing in rivalry matches like Philadelphia.
“I would just say I don’t like those guys,” Donkor replied. “I just want to win against them every single time we play against them. I hate those guys. I don’t want to talk about them.”
Nate Worth, Mijahir Jiménez Could Make MLS Debuts
Prior to Wednesday’s match, the Red Bulls added Red Bull New York II pair Nate Worth and Mijahir Jiménez to the roster on short-term agreements.
South Ward Central caught up with Worth after Monday’s training session and asked him about the possibility of making his MLS debut.
“It would mean the world, honestly,” Worth replied. “It’s something I’ve dreamt of as a young kid going through the academy. Even when I was U12, U13, I went to all of the first team games at the arena, and I’ve always pictured myself in their shoes one day and dreamt of that.
“So if that opportunity arises, it would be really special for me and my family. Kind of a big achievement, but also the start of something new in my career as well. So it would be, honestly, a full circle moment and be really exciting if I could get that opportunity.”
Bradley is keen on giving opportunities to emerging young talent. Whether or not Worth and Jiménez are handed their MLS debuts in Chester, it’s clear that they’re on the first team radar.
UPDATE: 6:40 PM ET:
Red Bull New York announced the following starting XI and substitutes.
Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Horvath
Defenders: Marshall-Rutty, Che, Nealis, Dos Santos
Midfielders: Donkor, Mehmeti, Forsberg (C)
Forwards: Cowell, Hall, Ruvalcaba
Subs: McCarthy, Bazan, Berggren, Jimenez, Parker, Rojas, Sofo, Valencia, Worth
Injury Report and Match Broadcast Information
Red Bull New York A.J. Marcucci is out for Wednesday’s contest as he continues his long-term recovery from a left ACL injury and forward Rafael Mosquera is listed as questionable due to a thigh injury. Mosquera was limited during Monday’s practice and spent most of the session in sneakers, walking gingerly.
The Union have a fully healthy roster with no players listed on the Matchday 17 MLS Player Status Report.
The Red Bulls and Philadelphia will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Apple TV will provide coverage in both English and Spanish. Chris Wittyngham will be on play-by-play alongside match analyst Lori Lindsey on the English-language broadcast. Nacho Garcia will handle play-by-play in Spanish.
Red Bull supporters can tune into Red Bulls Radio starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Matt Harmon and Steve Jolley will open coverage with “Countdown to Kickoff”, followed by the match broadcast.
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