Last weekend David Villa scored the 400 and 401 goals of his career taking down the last undefeated team in Major League Soccer. This weekend he leads the team across the Hudson to meet arch rivals, New York Red Bulls in derby clash that promises to live p to the billing. Red Bulls lead in head to head matches with a records of five wins, three losses and one draw, but NYCFC have won three of the last five matches. One thing is clear. Both teams are hyped and have something to play for.
There have been thirty two goals in the nine previous MLS match ups, an average of 3.5 goals per game. This edition promises more of the same NYCFC have three players who lead the team with four goals apiece, Maxi Moralez, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, and David Villa. Bradley Wright-Phillips leads Red Bulls with five. Both teams will look to capitalize on mistakes early and establish their style of play from the start. Red Bulls will likely play three at the back and a high press while NYCFC will dictate play from the back and attack quickly off counters. The game should be high paced and fun to watch.
Both rosters have been retooled this season. Gone are Sacha Kljestan and Felipe Martins for Red Bulls. replaced by standout, Tim Parker, in the back line and the young play-maker, Kaku, as the new number ten. NYCFC have added more firepower and pace this year while losing Jack Harrison from last year’s starting squad. They will likely start the same group that lined up against Dallas with a top three of Jo Inge Berget, Villa, and Jesus Medina to test the Red Bull back line. Maxime Chanot is back in training for NYCFC and will probably get his starting spot back over Sebastien Ibeahga. One match up to watch is Tyler Adams against Yangel Herrera. Last year Herrera dominated Adams in both matches and it will be interesting to see if the young American raises his game this year.
This rivalry game always packs a punch, sometimes in actuality. The pictures of Felipe with his hands on Ronald Matarrita’s throat have not banished from the minds of fans on both sides. It will be a tense and terse affair with yellow cards for both sides. NYCFC must be careful. Alexander Ring will be forced to sit out the next match against LAFC if he draws a caution on Saturday. The teams will come to play.
Fans can watch the match on ESPN at 2pm or if they live in NYC they can take the path train to Harrison, NJ and see it live and in person. There have been clashes in the past between fans but hopefully nothing like that will spoil what promises to be a great match up between two good teams. NYCFC will look to build momentum and Red Bulls will look for bragging rights over their cross river rivals. It should be a close game. NYCFC are one of the best teams on the road in all of MLS and Red Rulls defend their turf well winning four of their last five at home. There is no love lost between them but their is a ton of mutual respect. This match has all the makings of a classic rivalry game and on Saturday any scenario could play out. My prediction: NYCFC score three goals and edge out Red Bulls by one, but anything can happen.
