Despite a tough loss on the road at Chicago last weekend, the New York Red Bulls came out of this week’s training sessions feeling good and staying positive about what awaits them at RFK Stadium Saturday when they take on D.C. United (7:00 PM, MSG2).
The pieces and chances are there, and effort is always being made to improve, said midfielder Tim Cahill.
“We’ve done some good work here,” Cahill said. “We got a difficult game away to D.C. I suppose we’re getting in front. And we’re dominating the games. It felt like the first 45 minutes against Chicago we had everything until we let a goal in. And from then, sometimes it’s just good to set up shop and wait to counter-attack instead of teams doing it against us.”
In the previous meeting between the two sides this season, the Red Bulls’ Mar. 16 home opener, New York and D.C. played to an intense but scoreless draw at Red Bull Arena. Given the history of this rivalry, both clubs are readying for another high-impact clash this weekend.
Match Preview: Red Bulls vs. D.C. United
Taking the team on the road is something head coach Mike Petke has done for what will now be his fifth road match over the first seven meetings. It doesn’t change his playing style much, but he does believe you have to account for the fans and venue, especially in a place like D.C.
“As much as I’m a gung-ho type of guy, I want to play the same style all the time, there’s going to be bouts in this game that are going to be more of a road mentality – that’s out of respect for D.C. and RFK Stadium,” Petke said. “It’s a difficult place to play, they’re a good team there and they have a lot of quality.”
Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry echoed that same sentiment.
“The game against D.C., we all know how difficult it is going to be against them. How difficult they make it against us,” he said. “It’s always important to not drop points against a rival in your conference.”
Case in point, if the Red Bulls come out firing on all cylinders, follow the game plan and keep creating those chances, Petke believes New York will walk away with a result.
“If we go out there and commit and put large parts of the last four games together then there’s no reason we shouldn’t get three points,” he said Thursday afternoon. “But if we go out with lapses in mindset, uncertainty in certain situations, lack of effort; well then it’s going to be a very tough night.”
New York and D.C. face off on MSG2 for a 7:00 PM kick off, starting with the 6:30 PM pre-game show. You can also come out to our official viewing party at MMMBello’s in Newark, where you’ll have a chance to win a bunch of prizes and giveaways, while enjoying some great specials throughout the night.
The Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena Wednesday night for a 7:30 PM match against Sporting Kansas City, airing live on MSG+ starting with the 7:00 PM pre-game show. Get your tickets now by visiting Red Bulls Ticket Central, or by calling 877.RB.SOCCER.
