D.C. United’s Nick De Leon and New York Red Bull’s Sal Zizzo will both likely be starting in Saturday’s I-95 derby (photo credit: Source: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America-Zimbio)
There are two types of derby matches in football: those that produce world-class top-quality matches and those that more often than not turn in to fights (both of the literal and figurative variety). While supporters of both D.C. United and New York Red Bulls will hope that Saturday’s encounter at Red Bull Arena (7pm EST MLS Live) is a match that produces some elegance neither side will likely hold any illusions. It is going to be a fight.
While Major League Soccer has certainly produced quite a number of different rivalries this by far is the oldest in league history (note the term ‘league’ here readers from Cascadia). It is a rivalry that has produced some of the most exciting moments in league history, but also some of the biggest boiling points. There are supporters on both sides who can recall where they were when United forward Alecko Eskandarian took a swig of a can of Red Bull (shortly after the club was purchased by the soft drink company) and spit it on the ground. Or the rollercoaster two-legged playoff in 2012 which saw a match cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, a red card to Bill Hamid, and a red card to Rafa Marquez. Or when Dax McCarty exacted revenge on his former side in 2015 scoring the lone goal at RFK Stadium to give the Red Bulls the advantage. Only 15 players have ever played for both United and the Red Bulls/MetroStars, a staggering low considering the turnover of rosters.
2016 was another example of how tight and testy these matches can be between the two sides. D.C. scored first blood last season with a 2-0 victory at home in May. New York held the upper in their final two encounters, going up 2-0 in both matches late. But United squeaked points in both affairs thanks to four goals in the final twenty minutes. The 2-2 draw at Red Bull Arena was particularly impressive as it was the first that they had earned in Harrison since a 0-0 draw back in March of 2013.
Although the Red Bulls are coming off of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Orlando City SC they are coming home where the side has had a better run of fortune. The club has not lost at home in 16 regular season matches. Goalkeeper Luis Robles, the linchpin of their defense and arguably the team, has been at the center of this strong run tallying 10 clean sheets. While many will point to the nine goals conceded this season as a sign of problems within the club, it is quite simply not an issue at home. They have yet to allow a goal at home this season, a streak that United will hope to end on Saturday evening.
It is going to be a tall task for United, who have pulled two consecutive victories to improve their record to 2-2-1. Midfielder Luciano Acosta has come into his own early in his second season for United taking over play-making responsibilities full-time in 2017. After overcoming a slight hamstring injury, he has thrived in the role, scoring two goals and netting one assist. While his dribbling abilities have brought supporters to their feet it is his passing that has stirred a United attack that appeared to be sleeping early on. In United’s 2-1 win over NYCFC last week, Acosta engaged midfielders Patrick Nyarko and Lloyd Sam early and often working with the two crafty veterans to open their opponent’s defense. The Red Bulls tightly knit defense has held their own against similar sides this season (Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle) but they really haven’t faced anyone quite like Acosta, whose size and speed make him difficult to break down.
The good news is for New York is that without Patrick Mullins (hamstring) is that United are still really without a forward up top. Offseason signing Jose Guillermo Oritz did score against the Philadelphia Union two weeks ago but has yet to really click with Acosta, Nyarko, and Sam. Those sort of lapses may be fine against teams like NYCFC or Philadelphia where there are still issues on the backline because there will be second chances. But against the likes of veterans like Aurelien Collin and Kemar Lawrence they may prove costly.
On the other side of the pitch the big question is can United keep Bradley Wright-Phillips out of the back of the net? Since coming to the club in 2013 BWP has made a habit of breaking the hearts of United supporters, scoring eight goals and notching four assists across all competitions. Red Bulls bread and butter has always been to beat D.C. by breaking past their defensive midfielders or by diagonal passes against the center-backs. Considering that United will likely be starting rookie Ian Harkes and right-back Nick De Leon (still adjusting to the position) that will be music to the ears of midfielder Sacha Kjlestan.
It is going to be a long, difficult battle on Saturday night. But for two sides searching for their own identity and for something to build on this might be the best chance to show what they can do.
DC United
