As the second half of the MLS season commences, the Red Bulls return to action against NYCFC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. ET (TV: FS1, STREAM: Fox Sports Go, RADIO: New York Red Bulls Radio on Tunein).
With the New York Derby fast approaching, here are seven reasons to catch the match.
“Six Points” At Stake
Heading into Sunday’s games, just two points separate the Red Bulls (11-8-2, 35 pts.) and NYCFC (11-7-4, 37 pts.) in the Eastern Conference standings.
With a derby win, the Red Bulls would leapfrog City into third place, while a loss would drop the club five points back.
This potential six-point swing could prove to be crucial as the playoff picture continues to develop.
Season Series On The Line
The Red Bulls have revenge on their minds, following a 2-0 home defeat to NYCFC in their previous meeting.
The loss placed City ahead in the MLS head-to-head series this season, while the Red Bulls’ win in U.S. Open Cup has the overall series tied in all competitions.
NYCFC has never won an MLS season series against the Red Bulls.
BWP vs. David Villa
Two of the leagues most prolific goal scorers, Bradley Wright-Phillips and David Villa, will go head-to-head for the eighth time in MLS history.
Villa (14) and Wright-Phillips (11) have scored a combined 25 MLS goals this season.
BWP holds the edge in the New York Derby with eight goals in seven MLS competitions, while Villa has scored one.
Red-Hot Road Warriors
New York is rolling on the road of late, winning four consecutive away games in all competitions.
The Red Bulls have already surpassed their MLS road win total from 2016 (3) with four victories this season.
All time, New York is 2-1-0 in games played at Yankee Stadium.
The Red Bulls Could Tie A Club Wins Record
With a win on Sunday, the Red Bulls have an opportunity to tie the club’s record for consecutive MLS wins.
The Red Bulls, currently on a four-game winning streak dating back to July 5, could tie the club record with a fifth-straight MLS win on Sunday.
Daniel Royer Is Scoring In Bundles
Dani Royer might just be the hottest player in MLS right now.
With six goals in his last four games, the Austrian winger is second on the team behind Bradley Wright-Phillips (11) with 10 goals this season.
Royer, who scored the lone goal in New York’s 1-0 Open Cup win over NYCFC this year, will have a chance to extend his scoring streak to five games this weekend.
Turf War In The Bronx
Anytime these teams clash, there’s more at stake than just three points.
With revenge on their minds and NYCFC within reach in the standings, this is one game you won’t want to miss!
