Here are a few storylines surrounding the Red Bulls as they head to Toyota Park this Sunday for a 5:00 PM kick off against the Chicago Fire (Watch all the action live on ESPN2).
Can the Red Bulls Earn Their First W at Toyota Park?
Toyota Park has not been the best of venues for the Red Bulls since its 2006 inception. New York has failed to register a win on the road against Chicago since then, going 0-6-3 in that span. With Chicago’s 0-3-1 start, it’ll be interesting to see if this is the year, more specifically the match, where the Red Bulls tally their first ‘W’ at Toyota Park.
Red Bulls Take on Familiar Face in Joel Lindpere
This is the first time former Red Bull Joel Lindpere will face New York since he was dealt to Chicago during the first week of January in exchange for an International Roster Spot. In his first season with Chicago, Lindpere has appeared and started in two games, tallying 161 minutes and placing two shots on goal. He missed the last match against Chivas USA due to World Cup qualifiers for Estonia, and was an unused sub in the third match of the season against Sporting KC. Should he make an appearance in Sunday’s match, it will be his 100th career MLS game.
Will New York Get its First Win on the Road?
Having started three of the first five matches of the season on the road, the Red Bulls will be looking to establish a presence when traveling to other venues. The season opened up with a 3-3 draw against the Timbers, a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes the following week, and a 1-0 loss to Montreal at Olympic Stadium.
Luyindula and Henry - Magic in the Making?
Was the game-winning goal against the Philadelphia Union a sign of things to come for Peguy Luyindula and Thierry Henry? Let’s hope so. The two hooked up on a beautiful goal in the 81st minute to seal New York’s three-point finish and perhaps provide a glimpse into the potential of this scoring duo. Luyindula, who fully admits he is still focusing on his conditioning to reach peak fitness, has certainly come along well since debuting against the Impact on Mar. 23. Since then, he has unleashed six shots, placed two on goal, and added his first-career MLS assist. Things will only continue to get better for the former PSG striker, and the growing chemistry between him and Henry is undoubtedly something you'll want to keep an eye on if they do pair up in the match. Especially if Henry can add a little more of this flair against Chicago.
