The New York Red Bull and New England Revolution meet Saturday at Red Bull Arena for the first time this season in a 7:00 PM kick off on MSG+.
New York is coming off a close but tough 1-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City Wednesday night in the club’s third home match of the season. Saturday marks the first time the Red Bulls will play consecutive home matches since the season kicked off, and they’re hoping it ends on a high note.
“It’s one of those rare situations that I’m actually happy we have a game three days later, rather than sit around all week and dwell on certain things,” said Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke.
“They’re a prototypical MLS team,” Petke added. “Hard working, get organized, and they have some quality. By no means are we taking anything lightly. They’re coming in here, they grinded out a good result on the road in Seattle, stingy defense, and it’s going to be a battle.”
Last season, the Red Bulls went 1-1-1 against their Eastern Conference opponent, extending a home win streak versus New England at Red Bull Arena to 3-0. New England may have the all-time edge in matchups with a 26-19-13 record, but the Red Bulls have maintained their dominance on home turf with a 15-8-7 performance.
The Revolution currently own five points off a 1-2-2 record, placing them eighth in the Eastern Conference. Offensively the team has certainly struggled, posting just one goal on the season off a Jerry Bingston tally in New England’s season-opening 1-0 win over Chicago. Defensively though, New England stands atop the rest of the league in goals allowed, forfeiting just two goals over five matches.
Given New England’s struggles on one end of the ball and strengths on the other, an interesting dynamic awaits the Red Bulls Saturday night.
“I think it’s going to be up to us,” said Thierry Henry. “If we start the game well and have a go at them early, hopefully we can do the job.”
New York will look to secure three points at Red Bull Arena this Saturday before kicking off a two-game road trip that includes stops in Toronto (Apr. 27) and Columbus (May 4). Watch all the action live on MSG+, starting with the 6:30 PM pre-game show.
Get tickets now for Saturday’s match at Red Bulls Ticket Central, or call 877.RB.SOCCER.
