(HARRISON, NJ) When New York Red Bulls II take the field Sunday night with an eye on the USL trophy. After a long regular season, and a seemingly longer playoff run, their moment has arrived. Many feel NY is a team of destiny, but Swope Park Rangers are no push over. The USL playoff finale is sure to produce some fireworks between two very deserving teams with high powered attacks and solid defensive play.
These are the keys to the big game:
NYRBII: Three Keys To The USL Final
Offensive spark
NY and SPR have largely gotten by on the strength of their defense this year, but neither team should be overlooked on the other side of the ball. In their last seven games, Swope Park surrendered just two goals, but more impressive is the ease with which they are scoring. The Rangers scored 45 goals this year, a pedestrian number for the league. However, they scored 33% of their goals in just since August 27. Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Kristopher Tyrpak are the Ranger’s danger men.
NY has been a free scoring team for most of the year. Brandon Allen appropriately receives the most attention, but he is far from the only goal scorer for the Red Bulls. Vincent Bezecourt and Florian Valot have had a great run in the playoffs chipping in on creating and scoring goals. Brandon Allen has mainly played the role of a hold up forward and allowed the wings and midfielders to join the attack. When they are clicking, they are a dominant force.
Home Field
A big story heading into the playoffs dealt with the rule changes for hosting the final. Previously, the higher seeded team automatically became the host. During the season though, USL changed the host from higher seed to highest bid. Red Bull’s poor attendance this year is likely a factor in the decision and it put the odds of NY hosting the final in doubt. The Red Bulls were able to win the bid to host and home field has been very important to them during their playoff run.
The team has made a big push during the week to get tickets into hands and try to boost their showing for the final. NY has not played in front of a large crowd at home yet this year, so it may add a layer of nerves to the game for them. Red Bulls II lost just three games this year, two of them were at home.
Running On Empty
The Red Bulls must dig deep within themselves to find a result. The previous two rounds of playoffs have left the team battered and exhausted. Rochester Rhinos and Louisville FC both came into Red Bull Arena looking to dominate the young team physically. The plan worked for large stretches of each game, and both went into extra time and penalties.
There is concern that NY may be reaching to the well a bit too often during the playoffs. It is important to remember, they are very young. Some of these players do not have the mileage on their legs like players on the senior team. Having to reach down deep and come from behind and battle for 120 minutes can also be mentally exhausting. The Red Bulls will have to stay focused and committed for at least 90 more minutes to keep themselves in the game.
Verdict
If the Red Bulls can keep the game on their terms and effectively pin SPR, there is no reason to think they cannot get a result. The Rangers will not make it easy for NY, and I expect there to be a number of physical battles that will determine the outcome of the game.
Prediction – NY 2-1
Projected Lineup
Meara, O’Toole, Long, Carroll, Powder, Najem, Metzger, Valot, Bezecourt, Ettiene, Allen.
