Red Bulls Prepare for FC Dallas

As the New York Red Bulls bowed out of the US Open Cup in Chester, their sights are now set on trying to get to the top spot of the Eastern Conference. But as the Red Bulls prepare for their next opponent, they will face a side that has done well with youth development too.

FC Dallas comes to Red Bull Arena in an early evening tilt and they have in some form of unfinsihed business from last season. FC Dallas had a player sent off on a double yellow card, which gave the Red Bulls a man advantage. But sadly they lost the lead twice and walked out of Toyota Stadium with a point when it should’ve been three.

But this time around Jesse Marsch and his side are ready for their opponents and they know it will be a tough battle against a hungry FC Dallas side that wants to show their head coach they will improve in their standings as the club is in 5th place in the Western Conference.

“I think our style of play is different, but our overall philosophy is very similar. First of all Oscar (Pareja) is a great man, I think that the way he leads his teams are very impressive I’m always enjoying when I talk to him and the way he mentors young men.” Said Jesse Marsch.

“When we were playing against them last year we were up a man and lucky enough not to lose that game. They were still a very good team last year, but injuries and breaks didn’t allow them to have their season to get going.

But only one loss this season in league play. I watched that game when they were at NYCFC. They are explosive and they will challenge you all over the field. They have a very high confidence and this challenge is very exciting.”

This is a potent lineup when he face a good forward like Mauro Diaz who seems to find a knack of being in a good position to convert goals for FC Dallas, so as always the Red Bulls need to keep an eye on him.

“I think it’s a battle that on the day sets up well for us, it’s one that we need to win from the midfield. They have some playmakers in the field that helps them out like Kellyn Acosta, Victor Ulloa, Carlos Gruezo & of course Diaz.” said Tyler Adams.

“They connect the passes with those front guys and those front guys create those chances, so recovery runs are key and stopping their counter attack, because they are a fast transitioning team and staying alert will be very important.“

But as of right now the two most dangerous attackers the Red Bulls will face are Roland Lamah and Maximiliano Urruti as both men are sharing the lead on goals with six for the club. Both men will test this backline that has shown they are strong at center back and strong out in the flanks.

“We got to stay compact and we got to watch them on the counter because they are very good at that. “ said Aaron Long, “Mauro Diaz is a big piece and Urruti is solid around the box.”

As we will be ready to watch another match that involves Bradley Wright-Phillips starting for the New York Red Bulls, he is four goals away from reaching 100 league goals in his MLS career. Converting 96 times and already over 110 in all competitions the son of former Arsenal & England legend Ian Wright has done more states side than in his home nation.

Playing for clubs like Manchester City, Southampton, Plymouth Argyle, Charlton Athletic and a loan spell with Brentford, BWP has scored a combined 77 goals within ten seasons. But here with the New York Red Bulls, when 2018 comes to an end, it will be five and a half seasons that will make him the fastest player to reach the century mark of league goals.

“I’ve always said that Brad is an awesome guy. He is humble, funny he is to be around and to have him around. The young players feed off of him and improves the players around him.” said Marsch.

“You talk about his quality around the goal and his movement and his intelligence on how he finishes plays in different ways that makes him unique and in my opinion he is the best goal scorer this league has ever seen.”

But now is the time for the Red Bulls to right the ship and get ready for their next league match against FC Dallas and move forward. Another home match for the Red Bulls to finish off June and getting ready for a scorching July.