Red Bulls 1st meeting with LAFC

The New York Red Bulls have already moved past the loss to the Columbus Crew and got a couple of days of rest and rejuvination as they will now focus their attention to the new kids in the league as they are preparing to face for the very first time against LAFC.

In the clubs history after 21 matches they are 10-5-6 with 36 points which puts them in second place in the Western Conference currently one point ahead of the LA Galaxy and six points behind Western Conference Leaders FC Dallas.

This team in it’s first season playing in MLS is loaded with great talent internationally and within from North America. We all know about Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, and former Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen who can turn on a dime and drop a big goal out of nowhere.

“It’s an opportunity to show how strong we are defensively and when you get guys who play at high levels attackingly, obviously you want to show how you play against them.” said Tim Parker.

“There are a couple of teams out there that can hurt you in many ways whether they have four, five or six top attacking players, but these guys (LAFC) have really put things together.”

Or how about Benny Feilhaber who was once on Sporting Kansas City and now a big cog in the midfield for this LAFC side, but the one that the Red Bulls are truly going to have to watch out for is the big substitute who comes off the bench in Adama Diomande who currently leads the club with nine goals.

“Diomande is dangerous but it;’s something we are looking forward to and try to keep him scoreless.” said Parker, “We are going to watch more film on them within the next two days, but our goal is to try and keep a shutout.”

The starting goalkeeper in Tyler Miller has had a successful season in the clubs opening year. Making some tremendous saves and keeping his side alive when they have a lead or trying to make a comeback in matches.

“We know that this team is very strong that’s coming to Red Bull Arena. I’m not surprised at all on how strong they are, I like watching them and they have a really good team that plays great soccer.” said Daniel Royer.

“They deserve to be on the top in the Western Conference. After a loss last week we always want to prove something and we want to bounce back, this will be a big test on the day. They are a compact team with great individuals, but they play well as an entire team.”

But finally this will be an emotional reunion for a certain head coach and that when Chris Armas was a former player for the Chicago Fire and being coached by Bob Bradley. Within the four seasons that Armas was under Bradley, surprisingly they won the double with a MLS Cup & US Open Cup in their first season back in 1998.

They quickly won their second US Open Cup Championship in the 2000 season. So what does it means to see your former head coach and what type of influences he gave to Armas when he took instructions from him. How will he embrace this Reunion.

“Their entire staff has a special place with me and friendships and soccer relationships so we all go way back, But in all reality all that I’m concerned with right now is getting three points at home.” Said Chris Armas.

“Bob and his staff is having an amazing season, their surprising some people but not us over here. We know what they are truly capable of and it’s no surprise, It’s always special to see Bob and Ante Razov and all those guys at the end of the day.

Now it’s time to see what these two sides will do as the New York Red Bulls are looking to erase that horrible loss last week and try to get back on the positive side of the ledger as they get ready for Bob Bradley and the rest of LAFC this coming Sunday.