Preview: New York Red Bulls vs. F.C. Dallas

The New York Red Bulls are travelling to Frisco to take on F.C. Dallas, before they return home to take on the Philadelphia Union.

The Red Bulls got back to winning ways in last week's match against New York City FC. In what was the first installment of what many are calling the Hudson River Derby or the Gotham Derby, the match lived up to its high billing.

Despite an early red card to Matt Miazga, the Red Bulls managed to hold on and claim a 2-1 victory thanks to Bradley Wright-Phillips' 7th multi-goal game in his MLS career. The Red Bulls set the tone early, scoring in the fourth minute and then expanding on that lead shortly after halftime. NYCFC managed to score in the 76th minute, but the Red Bulls were able to hold on for all three points.

The win moves the Red Bulls into third place in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Behind D.C. United and the New England Revolution respectively, RBNY still has a game in hand.

This week, the Red Bulls play a better side in F.C Dallas. The Hoops are riding a four-game unbeaten streak thanks to the brilliant play of Mauro Diaz and Fabian Castillo. The pair have combined for 6 goals and 9 assists in ten games so far and have helped turn Dallas into an offensive juggernaut.

Leading the Hoops in scoring is Panamanian striker Blas Perez. With five goals to his name, Perez is the focal point of coach Oscar Pareja's attack. Dallas lead the league in scoring, with 17, and Perez is a huge reason why.

The Red Bulls are also looking more like the team that started off the season with an 8-game unbeaten run. After the loss at New England, Jesse Marsch and company rebounded well and are now in position to leapfrog them in the standings.

Particularly of note is the play of Wright-Phillips. His two goals in last week's game earned him MLS Player of the Week honors and a spot in the Team of the Week. The service to Wright-Phillips was better against NYCFC than it has been for most of the season, and the Englishman will want things to continue this way if he is to score against F.C. Dallas.

Who To Watch

F.C. Dallas: Fabian Castillo. The Colombian winger has dazzled since making his debut for Dallas in 2011, but this could turn out to be one of his best seasons yet. When he's not scoring goals, he's busy creating them.

RBNY: Kemar Lawrence. BWP wasn't alone in the team of the week, and joining him was none other than Kemar Lawrence. The left back has more or less usurped Roy Miller's starting position and will be tasked with containing Dallas' most potent weapon in Fabian Castillo.

Match Facts

- The Red Bulls have beaten the Hoops in their last two league encounters, both by 1-0 margins. If history is anything to go by, this should be another closely contested match.

- The Red Bulls have also won in three of their last four visits to Frisco, including league and Open Cup play.

- RBNY haven't been shut out once this season.