On September 28 the Red Bulls look to finish the month unbeaten as they travel to the west coast to face LA Galaxy.
This will be the first and only meeting between the two clubs this year. The last time these teams faced one another was May 19, 2013, when the Red Bulls defeated the Galaxy 1-0 at Red Bull Arena.
The Galaxy are currently tied in first-place of the Western Conference with the Seattle Sounders, a team the Red Bulls defeated 4-1 last weekend. LA’s victory last weekend vs. FC Dallas was enough to clinch their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
For the Red Bulls, the match carries significant importance with their place in the playoffs yet to be confirmed. The team has rallied in September, going unbeaten in their last four MLS matches (3-0-1). For New York, this is their final away match before a vital MLS three game home-stand.
New York currently stands alone in fourth place of the Eastern Conference with 41 points. Only five points separate third through seventh place in a crowded playoff race.
Sunday’s match coverage at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (TV: ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes).
Here are three players to watch ahead of this weekend’s match.
- Midfielder - Landon Donovan
U.S. international Landon Donovan is the all-time leading goal scorer for the LA Galaxy, MLS, and the U.S. National Team. It seems the only record he’s yet to break is the MLS all-time assists record, which appears to be achievable (Donovan’s 132 assists is only three shy of Steve Ralston’s MLS record 135).
With nine goals and a league-leading 15 assists, New York will need to pay special attention to the American-great who is still one of the most creative players in the league.
- Forward - Gyasi Zardes
Homegrown striker Gyasi Zardes is showing no signs of a sophomore slump in his second season with the LA Galaxy. The 23-year-old California native is fourth in the league in goals with 15 and has featured in 27 of 29 matches this season.
The RBNY back-four will must keep Zardes in front of them at all times and allow him little space to operate to prevent an increase in his goal tally.
- Defender - Omar Gonzalez
U.S. international Omar Gonzalez, who started in three matches for the U.S. National Team in the FIFA World Cup, is the leader of arguably MLS’s strongest defense. The 6’ 5” center-back and his defense has allowed an impressive 31 goals this season, the least in MLS, and has scored four goals of his own.
A danger on corners and defensively, the Red Bulls will need to be physical in the box when he goes up for set-pieces and attack his lack of mobility with quick movements in the final third.
