The New York Red Bulls will travel to Harvard for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Thursday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET to take on the New England Revolution (WATCH: NewYorkRedBulls.com, RADIO:New York Red Bulls Radio on Tunein).
With the quarterfinal match fast approaching, here are seven reasons to watch.
Three More Wins Clinch The Title
After entering U.S. Open Cup in the Fourth Round, the Red Bulls have knocked out NYCFC and the Philadelphia Union.
New York is just three wins shy of clinching their first Open Cup title.
Ryan Meara Has Been Phenomenal
Through two U.S. Open Cup matches, Ryan Meara has allowed just one goal in two games.
Against Philadelphia, the goalkeeper made a save in the PK shootout to help send the Red Bulls to the quarterfinals.
Meara has totaled 10 saves in two Open Cup games, including seven against Philly.
Thrilling Win-Or-Go-Home Action
There are no ties in U.S. Open Cup, so everything will be on the line Thursday night.
If the teams are tied after 90 minutes, the game will head into extra time. If the clubs are still tied after 30 minutes of extra time, the match will be decided in a penalty kick shootout.
In the Round of 16, the Red Bulls tied the Union in regulation, 1-1, and won the game in penalty kicks, 5-3.
New England Wants Revenge
Thursday’s game will mark the third matchup between these clubs in 2017, and the second in just nine days.
Through two games, the Red Bulls lead the season series, 2-0-0, with one win at Red Bull Arena and Gillette Stadium.
Last week, the Red Bulls stole three points on the road, thanks to a 93rd minute game-winning goal from Gonzalo Veron.
Expect a battle on Thursday, with the Revs looking to avenge last week’s heartbreaking loss.
New Formation?
Last time out in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16, Head Coach Jesse Marsch experimented with the team’s formation en route to victory.
The Red Bulls played in a 3-6-1 formation for the first time in 2017, a switch from their usual 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2.
How will the Red Bulls line up on Thursday? Tune in to find out!
Ninth Ever Open Cup Quarterfinals Appearance
Thursday's match in New England marks just the ninth U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals appearance for the Red Bulls.
New York is 3-3-2 in eight previous Open Cup quarterfinals, and 23-19-3 overall in the tournament.
Keep the Momentum Going
New York enters Thursday’s game with back-to-back wins in MLS and U.S. Open Cup games.
With a victory against the Revs, the Red Bulls could achieve a three-game winning streak for the second time this season.
New York last amassed a three-game winning streak in their successful April homestand against D.C. United, Columbus Crew SC and the Chicago Fire.
