Red Bulls Ready for Revenge In the Bronx

Here we are again as the New York Red Bulls make their annual trek across the Hudson and Harlem Rivers to face their rivals in NYCFC. The last time we saw these two sides play against each other was at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, June 24th as the team in blue earned their first ever road match by a final of two goals to nil.

“Ever since that game we’ve made a few changes and we’ve been on a very good run here.” said Sacha Kljestan, “We hope to keep our good run of form going. Hopefully going into their place and getting a positive result.”

After defeating NYCFC in the US Open Cup fourth round with a lone Daniel Royer goal on June 14th, you kind of felt that revenge was coming and it came very hard no mater how many goals NYCFC put in, they earned the full three points in Harrison.

But what needs to change from that match to this one coming for the Red Bulls? We all know that their new formation has brought back the team of old scoring three or more goals a game, or should we ask Jesse was that change needed after that loss to NYCFC.

“I wouldn’t say we changed the formation because of that loss, the next game we tried to change things up but it wasn’t due to that game.” said Jesse Marsch, “They played with more desire and physicality and heart. It was a pretty even game until they were able to make two plays and we made none.

We weren’t happy about that result and it would be important to us that we find a way to get a result in this series. I know they were disappointed in their last match and it should be an entertaining game.”

Right now the blue side has a list of the wounded as Rodney Wallace, Khiry Shelton, Ronald Matarrita, Miguel Carmago and Maxime Chanot are out with big injuries that could continue to sideline them for weeks or months. Will that be a factor for the club to exact revenge on the blue side.

“The only one I was surprised at was (Alexander) Callens because the elbow he threw at (Sebastian) Giovinco, I was shocked that he wasn’t suspended. This series is never about who’s missing.” said Marsch, “Lampard was missed over the years, we had some guys missing, it’s still will be an absolute battle.

It’s what makes this rivalry such a special one and while it’s still in a short history, it’s got a big history. Each game has had twists and turns and events and moments and this one will be no different. We need to be prepared for anything and everything and above all we put a performance on the field that we need to be proud of and our fans to be proud of.”

Now as I have said in the last article after FC Cincinnati defeated Miami FC in their make up game due to the weather in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, that helps the Red Bulls avoid fixture congestion after this Sunday’s road game.

How relieved was Marsch and sadly his flight got cancelled so was able to watch the match on the stream, what did he learn and how will he game plan to against Alan Koch’s side at Nippert Stadium on August 15th.

“It will be an exciting game, Cincinnati will have a huge crowd for it that represent challenges for sure. They haven’t given up a goal which is amazing.” said Marsch, “Djiby Fall being suspended and that’s a tough one for them because he’s scored four goals, but they are more than just a one man show.”

Daniel Royer Earned for the first time the Alcatel MLS Player of the month award in July scoring six times and twice at home against San Jose & Montreal. Two of the six goals were from the penalty spot at New England and against Montreal.

“It feels really nice, I’m honored and it’s a league with good high quality, I feel really good about it but it’s a team effort and if the team couldn’t do well, I couldn’t do well either.” said Royer, “It’s a nice thing, but it’s a side effect. a nice one and it will help my confidence grow, but still not possible without a great team behind me.”

So it’s time to get yourself this Sunday to the Big ballpark in the Bronx as the Red Bulls will travel to face NYCFC for round three in the 2017 edition as this series is knotted at one a piece and as always fireworks will be on display.