Photo credit: New York Red Bulls
Nothing beats the hump day blues quite like a derby. Especially during this time in the season when all of the matches start to run together it can be a bit difficult keeping the excitement level up for games. Thankfully for those who enjoy themselves some Major League Soccer Wednesday night should deliver with a midweek derby match that everyone likes: D.C. United versus the New York Red Bulls (7pm EST MLS Live).
Now there are some derby matches that are a derby in name only. This match is not one of those types of matches. The two sides have created one of the leagues most bitter rivalries, dating back to the league’s inception. So far this season the Red Bulls have D.C.’s number with a 2-0 win back in April.
That being said, New York come into this match needing points. After losing in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup final last Wednesday to Sporting Kansas City New York followed it up with a 3-2 loss to Columbus Crew SC. After going undefeated in July the Red Bulls have fallen back to earth winning just once in their past seven matches (1-4-2, 7 points). With the Montreal Impact (11-13-6, 39 points) nipping at their heels for the final playoff spot New York can ill afford another slip up.
As for D.C. things are looking a little bit up for the Black and the Red. Despite facing long odds at making the playoffs United have won three of their past four matches and are showing that they liking the role of spoiler. Last weekend United smoked the San Jose Earthquakes to the tune of 4-0, seriously damaging their playoff aspirations. Although odds are slim that they may see their side in the second season, United supporters making the long trek up to Red Bull Arena on Wednesday will certainly see a win over New York as a nice consolation prize.
For D.C. overcome their I-95 rivals tomorrow night they are going to need to get Patrick Mullins involved in the attack. Against the Earthquakes last week Mullins finally found his scoring touch knocking in all four goals for D.C. What seemed to make the difference for Mullins in the match was that he seemed to have his elusiveness back. Last season, what made Mullins such an attacking asset for D.C. was that he could get behind defenders and find small spaces to work in. Midfielders Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta both have a knack for sending in passes into open space for attackers. If Mullins can replicate his effort from Saturday then D.C. may walk with a result.
As for the Red Bulls the big question is if they can get Bradley Wright-Phillips involved early in the match. Wright-Phillips’ 16 goals put him right at the top of the MLS leaderboard once again and if this side can get over the hump it will be because they can find chances for him in the attacking half. The biggest issue in recent matches for New York is that the attacking chances really have not come in. Opponents are putting additional pressure on midfielder Sacha Kjlestan and forcing him to make passes that he might not normally make. Look for Russell Canouse to play a major in United’s efforts in disrupting New York’s attacking rhythm.
While this match might not have the same luster that it has had in season’s past make no mistake about it: this will be a difficult match for both sides. With the Red Bulls vying for a playoff spot and United looking to play the role of spoiler both sides having something to play for on Wednesday. Neither side will give their opponent an inch and odds are that the referees may have their hands full. For a midweek match in the middle of a glut of matches that is all that any supporter can ask for.
New York Red Bulls
DC United
