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After two disappointing draws at home, the Red Bulls are leaving the comforts of home to take on the New England Revolution, who are unbeaten in their last six matches.
The Revs rebounded well from a poor start that saw them lose to the Sounders and a newly minted NYCFC squad. Since then, the Revs have won four games and tied two.
In last week's win, the Revs put on a show for the Foxborough faithful and demolished a short-handed Real Salt Lake side by a score of 4-0. Although RSL was missing their starting center backs, New England's attack flourished, attempting a total of 25 shots throughout the match. With Chris Tierney, Juan Agudelo, Charlie Davies, and Scott Caldwell all finding the back of the net, the scoreline failed to reflect the utter domination from the home side. RSL were fortunate that they didn't trail by more.
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As a result of their good form, the Revs are sitting atop the Eastern Conference with the Red Bulls trailing by only one point. Because the Revolution have played one more game than RBNY, the match could have long-term implications on the table.
With Jay Heaps returning for another season, New England are starting to look more like the team that made a run to MLS Cup. Unfortunately for Jesse Marsch, that's the same side that knocked the Red Bulls out of the playoffs last season.
If the Red Bulls want to exact some revenge, they'll need to step up their game. After dominating the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at home, New York could only muster a draw against each side. Teams are starting to figure out how to beat Marsch's high pressure system. Sitting back, absorbing pressure, and exploiting the high defensive line on the counter seems to be the way to do it.
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"We've got to figure out how to deal with it," said Marsch. "by being better with the ball in possession and creating more chances, and then also finding ways to press them even when they don't want to try to play."
The Red Bulls certainly do need to figure it out if they want to rediscover the form that saw them soar to the top of the Eastern Conference and the power rankings. Despite being the league's only remaining undefeated team, the Red Bulls still have a way to go if they want to prove that their first few games weren't only flukes.
Who To Watch
NE: Kelyn Rowe. Rowe leads New England in both goals and assists with two of each. He's been a huge part of their recent success, particularly with his distribution.
RBNY: Bradley Wright-Phillips. With Bradley Wright-Phillips finding himself isolated up top in recent games, the striker netted against Colorado. Granted, it was a penalty kick, but it'll serve as a much needed confidence booster.
Last Time They Met
2014 Eastern Conference Championship. New England 2-2 Red Bulls (4-3 aggregate).
The Red Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs by the Revs at Gillette Stadium.
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