The New York Red Bulls tough schedule to start to the season continues this Sunday. After two weeks of back-to-back one goal victories, the Red Bulls put their winning streak on the line against the defending MLS Cup winners the Seattle Sounders. For the Red Bulls, a win in Seattle would be the first time in club history the team opened up a season with three consecutive victories. Any sort of result for New York would tie them for the longest unbeaten match streak in MLS regular season history with 19. The last MLS defeat for the Red Bulls came back on July 3rd of last year in a 2-0 lost to New York City FC.
New York Red Bulls vs Seattle Sounders Preview
Three Things to Watch
Wright-Phillips/Kljestan Connection
It has been a slow start to the season for both Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips. This is visible as two of the three goals scored for the Red Bulls this season have come off as own goals. With both combining for 30 goals and 25 assists last season, it is easy to see why the Red Bulls attack has struggled so far this season. With these two so heavily leaned on, both will need to have a good game if New York is to stand a chance of coming out with a win in Seattle.
A Solid Back Four..so far
The Red Bulls defense has done well in their first two matches this season. With all the question marks surrounding the skill and the depth of the Red Bulls back line, they have only conceded one goal. This has coincided with the great play of 2016 USL Defender of the Year Aaron Long. He has been the best defender for the Red Bulls this season and will be vital for three points.
No Need to Panic for Sean Davis
Davis is a very important piece for the Red Bulls. After the trade of Dax McCarty, all eyes of Red Bulls supporters have been on Sean Davis. While struggling to find consistent form in the early going of this season, the young defensive midfielder has no need to panic. After a shaky first half against the Colorado Rapids last week, Davis improved greatly in the second half. With a solid game this weekend, Davis could very well be on his way to last season’s great form.
