As another derby day approaches, we take a look at New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, and analyze what to expect on Sunday. This is the second of three matches between New York and New York City. The Red Bulls claimed the first derby victory on May 10, a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena.
New York Red Bulls travel to Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 28 to face New York City FC at 5 p.m. EDT (TV: ESPN, WatchESPN – ESPN.com; Radio: English/Spanish Red Bulls Radio)
New York Red Bulls
- Record: 5-5-5, 20 points, sixth place in Eastern Conference (as of Friday, June 26)
- Previous Match: RBNY win, 1-0 vs. Real Salt Lake
- Last Five: 1-4-0
- Leading Goal Scorer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (5)
- Assist Leader: Bradley Wright-Phillips (4)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (30)
New York City FC
- Record: 4-7-5, 17 points, ninth place in Eastern Conference (as of Friday, June 26)
- Previous Match: NYCFC win, 2-0 vs. Toronto FC
- Last Five: 3-1-1
- Leading Goal Scorer: David Villa (6)
- Assist Leader: Kwadwo Poku, David Villa (3)
- Saves Leader: Josh Saunders (53)
Scouting NYCFC
New York City FC line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with David Villa at the top. Similar to the Red Bulls’ midfield triangle, NYCFC form a triangle between Ned Grabavoy, Mix Diskerud, and Andrew Jacobson, the defensive midfielder. Despite the early season struggles, it appears that NYCFC has hit their stride, entering Sunday’s match on a three game winning streak. In the last three matches, NYCFC has outscored their opponents 7-2. Goalkeeper Josh Saunders recorded his third shutout of the season last weekend against Toronto FC.
Players to Watch
For the Red Bulls, all eyes are on Bradley Wright-Phillips, whose last goal came against NYCFC. He leads the team in goals (5) and assists (4) and will need to come up big in an important match for New York, who just ended a four match losing streak. Mike Grella could be instrumental as well, as the forward has been quietly producing goals and creating chances in dangerous areas. Grella scored the game-winning goal in the midweek match versus Real Salt Lake, and has recorded two goals in the last three games.
For NYCFC, David Villa is the player to watch. Villa has scored three goals and one assist in the last two matches, including a pair of goals against Toronto FC, a 2-0 victory. The designated player has been the heart of the NYCFC attack the whole season, and could be vital to NYCFC success on Sunday. Also look out for Kwadwo Poku, the “super-sub” for NYCFC. He may not make the starting XI consistently, but he has one goal and two assists in 95 minutes over the span of the last three matches.
