Let's take a closer look at a few storylines worth keeping an eye on ahead of Saturday’s 4:00 PM match against the Toronto FC (Watch live on MSG, starting with the 3:30 PM pre-game show)
Back to Back at BMO Field?
Saturday’s match between the Red Bulls and Toronto marks the second meeting this season between the clubs at BMO Field. On 1898882566" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">April 27th Tim Cahill rounded out his brace with a goal in the 89th minute, sealing the three point victory for the club on the road (more on that below). The Red Bulls are 3-3-3 all-time at BMO Field with 13 Goals For and 12 Against. Given the even battle at BMO Field, it will be interesting to see which club will break the .500 mark and earn the three points after 90 minutes of play 1898882567" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">Saturday.
How will the offense respond?
The Red Bulls offense had a surging performance 1898882568" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">Saturday vs. Montreal, posting four goals from four different players. Red Bulls forward Peguy Luyindula received a boost of confidence when captain Thierry Henry gave him the ball to take the PK in the 88th minute. The Frenchman deposited a rocket shot into the netting to open his Red Bulls and MLS account. Will that be the first of many more to come?
Thierry Henry saw his four-game scoreless streak snapped as well when he tapped a no-look pass from Fabian Espindola past Montreal goalkeeper Troy Perkins to put the Red Bulls up 2-0, just moments after Eric Alexander provided the early 1-0 boost. Tim Cahill added a tally off a corner from Henry when he redirected a corner from inside the 18-yard box past Perkins.
Cahill vs. Toronto
Tim Cahill’s goal in the 89th minute in the 1898882569" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">April 27th match lifted the Red Bulls to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Toronto. Cahill’s first goal of the season came earlier in the match when defender Roy Miller had possession on the left wing and skipped into the box, playing a low pass that Henry dummied. An open Cahill was on hand to curl it in with his left foot. The game-winning header later in the match only further provided the spark Cahill would need, as he would score again the following week against Columbus. Is it possible we’ll see the Aussie midfielder have another big outing against TFC?
Hectic Schedule
It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway): The Red Bulls are in the middle of a very busy week. By the time New York faces off against Toronto 1898882570" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">on Saturday, it will be the club’s third game in seven days (not to mention the reserves played 1898882571" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0; " tabindex="0">Sunday). So we’re definitely looking at a test to the Red Bulls’ depth. It will be up to Coach Mike Petke to ensure his players are well rested and prepared for Saturday’s match.
On the other side of the ball Toronto is just as busy, as they will face Chivas USA Wednesday following the club’s 3-0 loss to Sporting KC this past weekend. Fatigue may be a factor for both sides in this one, but the desire for three points may override any signs of exhaustion.
