After a bye week, and a midweek confidence boosting win in the US Open Cup, the New York Red Bulls will be back in action this Saturday at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps. New York currently on a 3 game losing skid will look to get back to the winning track by beating the 8-6-2 Whitecaps who are currently second in the Western Conference.
Following their 4-2 loss against Houston at BBVA Compass, Jesse Marsch stated that the team was going to take advantage of the time off, and not only re-charge their batteries, but also to regroup as a team. Marsch who is aware the club is entering an important time of the season, in which his team will play 5 conference opponents in their next 7 games, knows his team not only needs to get back on the winning track, but also generate positive momentum for what’s ahead .
Taking advantage of the midweek US Open Cup fixture to get his starters back into the swing of things, Marsch was also presented with what could be compared to a new signing in Ronald Zubar. Zubar who was signed to be the leader of the Red Bulls back line, but had yet to log in any minutes, saw his first 45 minutes of action in the first half against Atlanta midweek. Encouraging news for Marsch who will also have Matt Miazga back from U20 USNT duty.
The Red Bulls will be back to their high pressing style, and hope to take advantage of midfield turnovers by the Whitecaps. On the other side, the Whitecaps, who have the most shots in the MLS, are very dangerous on the counter attack, and can take advantage of the Red Bull’s high defensive line where. If the Red Bulls can’t find balance in their defensive transitions, and allow space behind their back line, it could be a very long night for the Red Bulls.
The Whitecaps are coming off a moralizing win against the Galaxy, and have allowed just under 1 goal per game this season, recording 7 shutouts in the process. It will be up to Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Lloyd Sam, who are 1-2 in goals scored for the Red Bulls, to break down a very stingy Vancouver defense. Wright-Phillips, who took advantage of the weekend off to tie the knot, was on the score sheet midweek, and will hope he can give continuity to his goal production. Sam on the other hand, was substituted against Atlanta due to injury, and the Red Bulls feared he would be lost for this game, but reports indicate Sam should be able to go Saturday night.
There shouldn’t be any surprises in the 11 that Marsch will line up. Miazga should be back in the middle of the defense with Perrinelle, while Zubar builds up his game rhythm, and stamina. Roy Miller will be on the left in the absence of Kemar Lawrence who is with Jamaica in the Copa America. In the midfield, the all too familiar triangle – McCarty, Felipe, and Kljestan, while Grella will be on the left wing opposite of Sam.
It will be a tough task for the Red Bulls, who will have to put in a good performance to beat the Whitecaps. The game will also serve as an indicator of Jesse Marsch’s ability to recuperate, and motivate a team that is in the midst of a 3 game losing streak.
The historical record between the two teams is 2-0-3 in favor of the Whitecaps. A win for the Red Bulls will not only give them their first ever win against the Whitecaps, but it will also set the tone for what it is to come. Three games in the last 10 days of June is what the Red Bulls are looking at with the last game of the three being against New York Rivals NYCFC.
Alfredo Fumacas – @talkingtodadoll
