The New York Red Bulls seek to extend their unbeaten run at home to nine this weekend as they welcome the Houston Dynamo to Red Bull Arena. Both clubs are involved in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race, with Houston looking to gain ground on the Red Bulls who currently stand alone in fifth place.
New York have played the Dynamo very well in the regular season, boasting an undefeated 5-0-1 record in their last six meetings. The Dynamo have never won a regular season game on the road in New Jersey in their eight year history.
New York Red Bulls Head Coach Mike Petke on what he expects from Houston on Saturday:
“I’m expecting the team that we’ve been scouting which are very quality players in a lot of spots. They can be direct sometimes and like you said they can also put the ball on the ground and play. A couple of key additions they’ve had and the speed they have up front, it’s going to be a tough game for us, we know that, but we’re comfortable at home and we are confident and we understand what we need to do.”
The Red Bulls enter the match looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat last weekend to LA Galaxy. New York is also set to be without defender Jamison Olave Saturday night due to yellow card accumulation.
The Red Bulls return home where they have been most successful this season. They have not lost a game at Red Bull Arena since May 27, and have recorded five consecutive regular-season wins. They are unbeaten in their last eight MLS competitions at home (6-0-2).
In fairness, Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored against just about everyone, but he has been Houston’s nemesis in particular. With six goals in four matches against the Dynamo, watch out for MLS’ Golden Boot leader to increase his goal tally in the chase for 27.
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry on Houston
“We all know that in this time of the year they always somehow come strong. Having said that, our run of form is not that bad recently, I mean losing in LA is not the end of the world…tomorrow it’s going to be a difficult game. Houston always makes it difficult for you and we have to take it one game at a time.”
For the Houston Dynamo, Saturday’s clash is crucial for their playoff push. They enter the match on a five game unbeaten streak (3-0-2) which spans back to August 29. In-form forward Giles Barnes and U.S. internationals DaMarcus Beasley and Brad Davis have all been vital to their surge for the post-season.
Ricardo Clark has also been instrumental to the resurgence of the Dynamo. Another U.S. international, the midfielder has scored twice and assisted once in their last five games. He has four goals and as many assists this season.
Coverage of Saturday’s game at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET (TV: NBC Sports). For tips or further directions on how to get to the game, check out the Red Bull Arena Transportation HUB.
