PREVIEW – Two teams near the top of the Eastern Conference clash as the New York Red Bulls visit the New England Revolution. It’ll be the second time in a little over a month, with the Revs grabbing a 3-1 win at home back in late May. The clash Wednesday night will be the 90th all-time meeting between the two original MLS clubs dating back to the inaugural 1996 season.
New York Red Bulls visit Gillette Stadium in New England
Since the 3-1 defeat, the New York Red Bulls have won two straight at home to get back to .500 at 4-4-0 (W-L-D). The 2-1 and 2-0 victories over the previously unbeaten Orlando City and Nashville SC respectively, see Gerhard Struber’s men sit tied for fifth in a loaded East.
Fábio's first did not disappoint. 🔥 #RBNY pic.twitter.com/EKLCZcMVLx
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2021
More importantly, the striker Fábio finally got on the scoresheet with a wonderful volley for his first goal of the season. Kyle Duncan also got on the scoresheet for the first time, and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel notched his third clean sheet.
For New England, you’re looking at one of the early pacesetters and best teams in all of Major League Soccer. The 3-2 victory at New York City FC this past Saturday is an early contender for “Game of the Season.”
Tommy McNamara’s 88-minute winner sees Bruce Arena hold a five-point lead atop the East going into the clash against the Red Bulls. Furthermore, with the Revolution at 6-1-2 and currently on 20 points (eight more than RBNY), only the Seattle Sounders have more (21) in the Supporters Shield race. Now, let’s take a look at some things to watch for.
Andrés Reyes returns to Gillette Stadium
Andrés Reyes’s debut against the New England Revolution was good and bad. The good, he scored the team’s only goal, a header in the seventh minute. The bad, Reyes would be yellow-carded twice by the 38-minute, cutting what was a promising start to his Red Bulls career.
On a positive note, Reyes started against Nashville last weekend and was great. He has the athleticism to win aerial duels and already has a goal to his name. With a number of clearances and interceptions, the Colombian fits the system well and is crucial to the team.
And given Aaron Long’s season-ending injury, it’s best for him to not be reckless and not see red from now on. Struber holds Reyes in high regard and believes he can play an important part in the team.
Struber repeats that team wants to replicate “first 25-30 minutes” last month in New England where team played well prior to Andres Reyes red card #RBNY
— Ben Cork (@corkinho) June 21, 2021
It’s important to note that in the 3-1 loss, the Red Bulls hung around well before the red card. The result eventually served as a lesson, to not shoot themselves in the foot if they want to get any results.
The RBNY attack vs. Matt Turner
Red Bull fans were excited reading the starting lineup and seeing Fábio and Patryk Klimala start together in attack. The pair of key signings looked fluid at times against Nashville and can only improve with more time together. For a young team such as this one, chemistry is key. But so far, so good for the Brazilian and Polish strikers, with the latter delighted to work with the former.
“Yes, we train a lot of things like in the pressing, when we defend, when we are attacking,” said Klimala. “I feel comfortable with Fábio. It’s okay for me because I can play with anybody, but it worked today with Fábio, and he scored the goal. I gave him the assist, and I’m happy we won the game.”
Should the Fábio-Klimala partnership start Wednesday night, scoring could be more difficult against Matt Turner. The 26-year-old netminder has been superb this season and could make his way into the final USMNT Gold Cup squad next month.
Being named @MLS Player of the Week doesn’t come without work…hard work. #NERevs pic.twitter.com/ZfLplNiXhM
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) June 21, 2021
Turner was also voted MLS Player of the Week, saving a penalty and making big saves down the stretch against NYCFC. It’s no surprise he’s garnered praise from managers and players alike.
“He’s incredible. He’s incredible,” McNamara said of the New England Revolution’s 26-year-old shot-stopper. “He proves it game in, and game out. In my opinion, he’s the best goalkeeper in the league.”
“Matt is an excellent goalkeeper,” said head coach Bruce Arena. “The penalty kick save was awesome. A couple of the saves in the first half and second half were remarkable, as well. He gave us an outstanding effort.”
Red Bulls looking to grab first road result of the season
It’s the hardest task for any team, in any sport to do: win on the road. The travel, the crowd and atmosphere and of course, the opposition. For the New York Red Bulls, it is imperative that they pick up road points and soon.
They are currently alongside FC Dallas and Chicago Fire FC as the only teams without a point on their travels. Of the three, only Chicago has scored less and conceded more.
BIG THREE POINTS 🙌 pic.twitter.com/16cbkcXwWw
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) May 23, 2021
It’s not a good company to be in, and it stresses the importance of a result in New England. But it won’t be easy, the Revs have won all four home games so far. This included a 3-1 win over the Red Bulls on May 22.
With 12 points, they are in a three-way tie with LA Galaxy and yes, the Red Bulls for most home points in the league. Gustavo Bou and Carles Gil have been torching defenses all season long, while the Red Bulls boast multiple different goalscorers.
All in all, it makes for an entertaining watch. And as if this rivalry needed any more juice, Klimala said post-game after Nashville: “we will win the game”. Grab some popcorn for this one.
