Let's take a closer look at a few storylines worth keeping an eye on ahead of Saturday’s 7:00 PM match against the Montreal Impact (Watch live on MSG, starting with the 6:30 PM pre-game show) For tickets visit Red Bulls Ticket Central or call 877.RB.SOCCER
Final Regular Season Match vs. Montreal
Saturday’s match marks the final meeting of the 2013 season between the Red Bulls and the Impact. In the two previous matchups this season, the home team has gotten the better of each one. The most recent match took place at Red Bull Arena on May 8th when Thierry Henry’s right-footed bicycle kick gave the Red Bulls a 2-0 lead in the 88th minute and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a 2-1 victory. In the first meeting between the teams on March 23rd, the Red Bulls were held scoreless and allowed an early Marco Di Vaio goal in the 14th minute, which turned out to be the only tally of the game.
Henry’s Dominance Against Montreal
Thierry Henry has made his presence known against the Impact since the team’s 2010 inception. Although he’s only played in three out of the five matches against Montreal, Henry has totaled six goals and one assist in that short span. Henry provided fans with one of the most memorable moments of the 2013 season when he connected with a right-footed bicycle kick in the 88th minute to lift the Red Bulls to a 2-1 victory over Montreal. On March 31st 2012 Henry netted his first career MLS hat trick in a 5-2 win over the Impact. Will Henry be the difference maker once again in Saturday’s match?
Montreal’s Improvement to Date
In Montreal’s first season in MLS the club finished seventh in the East off a 42 point, 12-16-6 record. Their first season did not start off as well as they’d hoped, as it took six games for the club to earn its first victory. Late in the season the club strung together a series of wins and found themselves sitting just outside the playoff picture. However, a series of ties toward the latter part of the season squashed their playoff hopes and brought the inaugural season to an abrupt end. So far this season, 2013 has brought the Impact a much different fate. Whereas it took six games last season for Montreal to earn its first victory, the Impact registered four wins over the first five games. Coming into Saturday’s match, the Impact sit atop the Eastern Conference with 31 points. Can Montreal maintain its momentum heading into the second half of the season?
All-Time Head to Head
The Red Bulls have posted a 3-2-0 record during regular season against the Impact. While this isn’t heavily swayed in New York’s favor, the club has established itself at Red Bull Arena when facing Montreal. All time, New York has scored ten goals and allowed eight, but has also posted a flawless 2-0-0 record at home. During the last match, minutes after Henry scored his bicycle kick goal to give New York a 2-0 lead, Montreal’s Marco Di Vaio provided a late scare when he pulled the Impact within one thanks to a tally in the 92nd minute. Moments later, Montreal nearly snagged a point on the road, when a close call and scoring opportunity for the Impact was whistled offside. We know Montreal possesses a never-say-die attitude, so we’re not stretching when we say fans can expect another tight matchup this weekend.
