Get to know the matchup in Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:
Strike First
In 26 MLS regular season matches this season, New York has only scored first eight times.
Coming down the stretch, with only eight matches to go in the season, the Red Bulls are in desperate need for three points.Â
Having been shut out in their last two matches, scoring first and taking a lead in a hostile environment like Subaru Park will be crucial for confidence.
Strike Early
New York has no goals scored in the first twenty minutes of a regular season match this season.
Currently stuck in a rut of 182 minutes without finding the back of the net, especially against a team like the Philadelphia Union, an early goal to spark the Red Bulls will be imperative.
Missing Pieces
Philadelphia will be without three pieces when they host the Red Bulls on Sunday night at Subaru Park.
Injury to Leon Flash, coupled with suspensions for Jose Martinez and Jesús Bueno, leave Philly reeling a little bit coming off a 3-1 defeat to last-place Toronto FC, who had lost ten consecutive matches across all competitions.
Taking advantage of those missing pieces will be no easy task, but it will definitely help when game-planning for the Union.
