There is a feeling that Saturday’s meeting with the Philadelphia Union is a very, very important match that could define Red Bull New York’s season.
The Red Bulls enter Saturday in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, having secured 26 points through 21 matches. Hovering below them is a crowded group of teams vying to climb the standings.
Only five points separate eighth from 14th in the East. Thirteenth-place Philadelphia is one of several clubs looking to take advantage should the Red Bulls continue to leave points on the table.
Bradley: ‘We Just Have To Be Ready To Clean Up and Sharpen Up a Few Things’
New York have only won once in six matches since returning from the World Cup break. The Red Bulls must turn possession and territorial dominance into goals and victories.
“We just have to be ready to clean up and sharpen up a few things for the game on Saturday,” head coach Michael Bradley said during Thursday’s press conference.
Defender Julián Bazán recognizes the threat posed by Philadelphia, who flexed their physicality when these sides most recently met on July 22 at Subaru Park. The Union won that match 3-1.
“Philadelphia is a very good team,” Bazán said. “In the last match, we lose. We see the match. We see the mistakes.
“This time, we are ready in all the lines, the defenders, midfielders, attackers, strikers are very, very ready for the match. It’s a difficult match. We know Philadelphia want to play strong, a lot of long balls. So we are prepared for this, and also we are ready to be effective in the match to score first to continue to score and take the zero [with] our goalkeeper.”
In contrast to the Red Bulls, the Union enter Saturday on an impressive six-game unbeaten run since the World Cup break under interim head coach Ryan Richter.
Dennis Nelich Could Make Red Bull New York Debut After Being Added On Short-Term Agreement
Prior to Saturday’s match, Red Bull New York II winger Dennis Nelich was called up to the Red Bull New York first team on a short-term agreement.
The 18-year-old has impressed for the Baby Bulls, scoring seven goals and recording six assists in 23 MLS NEXT Pro matches.
Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert praised Nelich’s hardworking traits in July.
“The work rate in both directions, with the ball, against the ball — I think that’s something that is making his performances complete,” Wohlert said. “It’s not always just about the goals, but even better when you can score and when you can have a big impact on our performance.
“I think the whole season for him is trending in the right direction. I think he was able to showcase himself multiple times already, and he was able to put his skills out there.”
Red Bull New York and Philadelphia Union Injury and Lineup News Ahead of Saturday’s Match
UPDATE: 6:30 PM ET:
Red Bull New York announced the following starting XI vs. Philadelphia Union:
Goalkeeper: Horvath
Defenders: Nealis, Bazan, Che, Dos Santos
Midfielders: Donkor, Mehmeti, Forsberg (C)
Forwards: Ruvalcaba, Hall, Cowell
Substitutes: Choupo-Moting, Harper, Jiménez, Marshall-Rutty, McCarthy, Nelich, Parker, Sofo, Valencia
Prior to the announced lineup, I wrote that Bradley could turn to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to start as Julian Hall could use a breather after starting 21 of 21 MLS matches.
“I’m sure that Choupo will start more games this year,” Bradley said earlier this season.
Now might be the ideal time to unleash the highly experienced Choupo-Moting. The 6-foot-3 forward could cause havoc against the Union with his ability to create space for teammates, his goalscoring instincts, his ability to draw attention from opponents and his effectiveness in set-piece situations.
Things are looking up for the Red Bulls on the injury front as winger Rafael Mosquera is the only player listed on the Player Availability Report. Mosquera is considered questionable due to a thigh injury.
QUESTIONABLE: Rafael Mosquera (thigh)
Philadelphia also has a single injury concern ahead of Saturday’s contest. Veteran midfielder Alejandro Bedoya is dealing with a knee injury and is listed as questionable.
QUESTIONABLE: Alejandro Bedoya (knee)
The Red Bulls and Union will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Apple TV will provide coverage in both English and Spanish. Fans can also tune in to Red Bulls Radio on RedBullNewYork.com and the Red Bull New York App.
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