Can you believe MLS Match Week 8 is upon us? No? Neither can I.
Fortunately for the Red Bulls, their fortunes reversed last week against D.C. United as the Red Bulls downed their arch-rival at home, 2-0. With a series of seemingly lackluster performances behind them, New York clinched their first game winning goal of the season last week courtesy of Bradley Wright-Phillips. In their first three home games of the season, the Red Bulls have not allowed a single goal. The club will be looking to continue the same trend as they take on a familiar Eastern Conference foe in the Columbus Crew. With the embarrassing exit from the playoffs two seasons ago by Columbus and the 2008 MLS Cup Final failure in the back of their minds, New York will look to spank the Crew at home. These are three developing story-lines RBNY fans should follow for the upcoming match.
1. Bradley Wright-Phillips Finding His Stride
We’ve always known Wright-Phillips to be somewhat of a streaky scorer. He’ll go through extended periods of form, stumble, then rediscover his shooting boots. In eight games BWP has managed three goals which is a relatively slow start to the season. Yet coming off the back of a confident win against D.C. in which he placed the ball firmly between Bill Hamid’s legs, Wright Phillips may be rediscovering his form and could thrust himself onto the scoreboard against Columbus. Since 2014, Wright-Phillips has managed seven goals against the Crew in all competitions. He’s been a thorn in Columbus’ side and he could very well find the back of the net against Columbus on Saturday.
2. How the Red Bulls Will Handle the Deadly One-Two Punch of Kamara and Meram
There’s no denying Columbus have ample attacking threat coming mainly from forward Ola Kamara and winger Justin Meram who both have four goals a piece this season. By themselves, they have surpassed New York’s total goals scored this season which is an impressive feat. The Norwegian Kamara has managed 20 goals in 32 appearances for Columbus since joining from Austria Wien. The Iraqi international, Justin Meram has been a pacey threat for the Crew since 2011 and turned the first screw against New York in their first game of the playoff series in 2015. It looks like Aaron Long and Aurelien Collin will have their hands full on Saturday trying to mark the deadly duo. Although Connor Lade has worked his way back to fitness, he is still seemingly not 90 minutes fit. With that being said, New York might have trouble down the right-flank in the matchup between Meram and Sal Zizzo. Despite the initial fear, the Red Bulls will not likely play on their back foot at home and will surely take the pressure to Columbus early on looking to draw first blood.
3. Return of Familiar Faces
Jesse Marsch hinted earlier in the week that winger Mike Grella and forward Gonzalo Veron would be possibilities this week against Columbus. Grella had been battling chronic knee pain while Veron returned to his home country of Argentina to follow-up with a doctor concerning recurring injuries. It looks as if Veron has inched closer to return while RBNY is taking a cautious approach with fan-favorite Grella. Marsch announced on Thursday that Veron was a possibility to feature over the weekend as he trained everyday and seemed fine. Panamanian international Michael Amir Murillo sustained a minor cramp last week with the USL team although it is not serious and he could feature on the bench. Yet, what does Veron’s hinted return mean for the team? Will they return to the 4-2-2-2 which Marsch seems so dead set on? The team looks much cleaner and in control with the 4-2-3-1 and with the performance of the squad over the past few weeks, it is hard to justify taking anyone out of the starting lineup especially for Veron. In a 4-2-3-1 with Daniel Royer and Alex Muyl the likely starting wingers, we may see Veron on the bench Saturday.
Saturday marks the second of a three game home stand for the Red Bulls. Columbus leads the Eastern Conference with 13 points and a 4-2-1 record, making this a difficult battle for New York. But at home, anything is possible for New York. With confidence flowing through all facets of the team, the Red Bulls could very well take three points at home.
Tune in Saturday at 7:30 pm EST as the New York Red Bulls take on the Columbus Crew, aiming to earn their fourth win of the season.
New York Red Bulls
Columbus Crew
