The New York Red Bulls seek to extend their winning streak to three this weekend as they face Eastern Conference competitors Philadelphia Union.
The teams have already met twice this season and both results have favored the home side. Their first clash in April resulted in a 2-1 victory for a 10-man RBNY at Red Bull Arena, while their second meeting ended in a 3-1 defeat at PPL Park.
The third and final regular season match on Saturday will be the 13th competition between the clubs. The Red Bulls are 7-4-1 all-time against Philadelphia.
On Wednesday the Red Bulls defeated rivals D.C. United in a 1-0 match decided by Lloyd Sam’s 90th minute winner. The Union’s playoff push is also well under way, having recorded four wins in their last five games.
Saturday’s match at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. will be played at 3:00 p.m. ET (TV: NBC Sports).
Here are three players to watch ahead of the crucial matchup.
- Defender – Maurice Edu
Edu, a utility player for Philadelphia, is most commonly played at center-back. He has been shifted back and forth from midfield to defense during his first season with the Union, and has played both positions in prior meetings with New York.
The U.S. international has been vital to the resurgence of the Union, and has started all 24 games he’s been available for. The Red Bull forwards will need to be instrumental in attack to break-down Edu’s back-four.
- Defender – Sheanon Williams
The Philadelphia right-back poses an end-to-end threat. Combining both power and pace, Williams is a strong wing player that transitions well into attack. In the last meeting with Red Bulls on July 16, he picked up an assist en route to a 3-1 victory at PPL Park.
He’s also an asset on set pieces. Just check out this game-winning glancing header he put away only a few games ago. New York will need to protect the sidelines and work hard to counter his ability to press up the field and create scoring opportunities.
- Forward – Andrew Wenger
Andrew Wenger enters this weekend’s match as Philadelphia’s hot-hand. He has recorded three goals in his last three games for the Union, and has a total of six goals and four assists on the season.
Wenger is a finisher who punishes opponents if allowed space in dangerous areas. His recent MLS Goal of the Week nomination serves as proof of his abilities. The Red Bull back-line will need to keep an eye out for Wenger for the full 90 minutes.
