{"id":1026,"date":"2016-09-26T22:16:25","date_gmt":"2016-09-27T02:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsoccer.com\/?p=1026"},"modified":"2016-09-26T22:16:25","modified_gmt":"2016-09-27T02:16:25","slug":"antigua-gfc-red-bulls-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2016\/09\/26\/antigua-gfc-red-bulls-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Antigua GFC – New York Red Bulls CCL Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Red Bulls<\/strong> travel to Guatemala City<\/strong> on Tuesday night for their final 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League<\/strong> group stage match against Antigua GFC<\/strong>. The Red Bulls bring their 16-game unbeaten streak across all competitions with them as they look to advance to the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in club history.<\/p>\n

Antigua GFC – New York Red Bulls CCL Preview<\/h2>\n

New York comes into the encounter off of a hard-fought 1-0 victory <\/a>over the Montreal Impact<\/strong> that clinched a place in the MLS Cup playoffs<\/strong>, while Antigua enters after two consecutive losses in the Liga Nacional Apertura<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There was much speculation\u00a0about if the match would be played at all, as the Guatemalan federation was suspended<\/a> until further notice during a FIFA<\/strong> investigation. However, the game will take place with the Red Bulls needing only a draw to guarantee first place in Group F.<\/p>\n

Players to Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Gonzalo Veron<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With the Red Bulls returning to MLS<\/strong> league play Saturday against the Philadelphia Union<\/strong>, head coach Jesse Marsch<\/strong> will likely have to rotate much of his squad in Guatemala<\/strong>. This should see Argentine striker Gonzalo Veron<\/strong> get the start at the top of his 4-2-3-1 formation.<\/p>\n

Despite his struggles getting minutes on the field and often being deployed in a wide midfield role, Veron has looked dangerous when in the forward position.<\/p>\n

His speed and skill on the ball make him a handful for defenders to keep in front of them. Expect to see service from the wings in order to open up space for Veron in front of goal.<\/p>\n

Mike Grella<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A recent drop in production <\/a>and the inclusion of Austrian<\/strong> Daniel Royer<\/strong> in the starting lineup have presented midfielder Mike Grella<\/strong> a unique opportunity in the CONCACAF Champions League.<\/p>\n

Likely a starter on the left side of the formation, the Red Bulls will want to see the Long Island<\/strong> native hold possession and get into the attack effectively.<\/p>\n

Royer\u2019s performance was certainly impressive against Montreal on Saturday, and Grella will need a productive performance Tuesday to state his case for playing time heading into the MLS postseason.<\/p>\n

Sean Davis<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Midfielder Sean Davis<\/strong> enjoyed a fine run of form in the absence of team captain Dax McCarty<\/strong> and should see a start on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n

His flexibility will be an important part of team\u2019s gameplan, as he is able to hold down a defensive role and provide a service moving forward up the field.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dominant play by New York last month in Harrison saw the Red Bulls claim a 3-0 victory <\/a>over Antigua, as the home side controlled much of the proceedings.<\/p>\n

While an intense and hostile atmosphere awaits at the Estadio Mateo Flores<\/strong> on Tuesday, the Red Bulls should gain the result they need to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in franchise history.<\/p>\n

NEW YORK 2 \u2013 ANTIGUA 0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n