The New York Red Bulls face their final Western Conference opponent of the regular season on Sunday when they travel to the Golden Coast to meet LA Galaxy.
The matchup combines last year’s Supporters Shield winners with the Galaxy, who are trying to capture the title for the first time since 2011.
The Red Bulls have had positive results against LA, having won their last two matchups against the Galaxy. Furthermore, RBNY has been unbeaten in their last five meetings vs. LA (4-0-1) dating back to September 24, 2010.
New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke ahead of the LA match
“They’re a very, very good team…going into this game right here, we know it’s going to be a battle. Now if this game’s early in the season, it’s a road mentality; if we get out of there with a point, great. But obviously with the situation that we’re in, we want to get out of there with the full three points but it’s going to be a big task…It’ll be a very tough game like I said, they have quality all over and whenever New York and LA play it’s always a special game.”
The Galaxy enter the match on an eight-game unbeaten run (6-0-2) and tied atop the Western Conference standings. The California club is currently one of the hottest teams in MLS, with a squad full of American born talent such as up-and-coming forward Gyasi Zardes, Omar Gonzalez, and Landon Donovan.
Irish international Robbie Keane has also instrumental in LA’s recent success, with 15 goals and 14 assists this season. The LA captain has recorded two goals and as many assists in his last five games, proving to be an asset to the high-powered Galaxy attack.
For the Red Bulls, Sunday’s match will be their third in nine days. They are riding on the waves of an undefeated September, and will look to extend the timely streak at LA in their late season push for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips will be looking to cushion his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race, which he currently leads by five goals. With only five matches remaining, he’s on pace to break the MLS single-season scoring record of 27 goals by Roy Lassiter and Chris Wondolowski.
LA Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan on Bradley Wright-Phillips and Thierry Henry
“Clearly, Bradley Wright-Phillips is sort of unstoppable right now...we're going to try to stop him, and I think people sort of, if you can even say this, are overlooking the way Henry's played and the service he provides Wright-Phillips…it's one of those things where I think Henry still draws so much attention, that it gives Wright-Phillips the opportunity to just float, get in good spots and get in front of the goal.”
Sunday’s game at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. will be played at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes).
