The New York Red Bulls remain the only undefeated team in the league but New England sit above them in the standings. (photo by: Scott Marsh)
Red Bulls take to NE in search of 3 points
by Stephanie Lovelle, New York beat reporter
After a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids, the New York Red Bulls now look forward to a trip to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Red Bulls are on the road for the first time since playing second place D.C. United on April 11. The Red Bulls draw against Colorado puts them in third place in the Eastern Conference standings and undefeated in two months of play. However, the luster of being the only side that has yet to taste defeat this season is beginning to wear off.
There’s no denying that points are points and remaining undefeated is a pleasurable position to be in but the Red Bulls have only managed to earn five points in their last three matches, all of which were at home. Likewise, they’ve conceded four goals on the road, also picking up a total of five points.
It’s something for the Red Bulls to be weary of.
The New England Revolution’s defense has gotten themselves together since their first two matches of the season. Having only played one more game that the Red Bulls, the Revolution have conceded seven goals so far this seven with only two of the seven coming in their last five matches.
The inability to come away with wins isn’t any less an issue about finishing than it is about conceding. The Red Bulls have displayed a keen ability to apply pressure on their opponent and keeping that up against the Revolution ought to cause the home side some frustration, but Saturday’s visiting side have otherwise struggled to complete their chances.
The Revolution are coming off of back-to-back wins with their last match against Real Salt Lake totaling four goal scorers in Chris Tierney, Juan Agudelo, Charlie Davies and Scott Caldwell. Agudelo, Caldwell and substitute Kelyn Rowe pulled in the assists. Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles showed frustration during the Colorado match due to a lack of awareness and productivity in his defense. There is simply no more room for defensive mistakes if the unbeaten side means to be a winning, unbeaten side. In anticipation for the Revolutions scoring threat, the Red Bulls defense must concentrate on their man-marking, an issue that has often led to conceding in their matches.
But Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth will not make it any easier for their chances at three points. Among the top three keepers in the league this season, Shuttleworth has sealed four shoutouts and produced 21 saves for his side.
Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lloyd Sam present their own threat to the Revolution, having scored three goals to their name each but their ability to connect for chances leaves much to be desired. Coach Jesse Marsch mentioned post-match against Colorado the need to just keep on creating and that needs to remain the standard for both players. Wright-Phillips came off with the only goal—a penalty—for the Red Bulls Wednesday night and Marsch can hope that the well-taken strike opens the flood gates for the forward.
Marsch will be facing Jay Heaps’ Revolution in the first of three meetings this season between the two sides. While the Red Bulls won both regular season matches under then coach Mike Petke, sweeping the series for the first time, they were eliminated in their pursuit of becoming Eastern Conference Champions and advancing to MLS Cup.
Currently, the Revolution have been a much inspired side, developing the beginnings of a winning pattern since they started the 2015 season while the Red Bulls must avoid falling into their own pattern of tying with performances that seem to tip in the direction of potential losses. And lose they will do eventually this season but the traveling side must make sure to end tomorrow night with nothing less than a win.
