Michael Amir Murillo, fresh off World Cup Qualifiers that saw his Panamanian team lock up their ticket to Russia, will start for the New York Red Bulls in the regular season finale at Red Bull Arena on Sunday.
Fidel Escobar, fellow Panamanian, will start on the bench for the Red Bulls as they take on Atlanta United FC on Sunday at 5 p.m.
- MATCHCENTER: New York Red Bulls vs. Atlanta United FC
Murillo will be joined with Aaron Long and Damien Perrinelle on the back line, while Connor Lade and Tyler Adams work as wing backs.
Sacha Kljestan and Felipe will control the central midfield.
Felipe will start game MLS game No. 200, across regular and postseason play.
Kljestan recorded his 50th and 51st assist as a Red Bull against Vancouver. His 51 career MLS regular-season assists as a Red Bull are the second most in MLS history over a three-year span, two shy of the record held by Carlos Valderrama. Kljestan’s two assists moved him into sole possession for 10th all-time in MLS history with 84, surpassing Javier Morales. Kljestan, who surpassed Morales, is now the active assist leader in MLS with 84.
Daniel Royer and Sean Davis will start on the wings for New York, with Bradley Wright-Phillips leading the attack.
Wright-Phillips’ goal in the 58th minute against Vancouver was his 17th of the season and ties him with Montreal’s Ignacio Piatti for fifth in 2017. The English striker has recorded at least 17 MLS regular-season goals in his first four full seasons as a Red Bull. BWP has raised his career MLS regular-season goal total to 86 and across all competition to 98.
Luis Robles will start in goal.
On the bench, Ryan Meara will be available as backup keeper, with Muhamed Keita, Derrick Etienne, Jr., Gonzalo Veron, Alex Muyl, Sal Zizzo and Escobar also able to sub in as needed.
Kemar Lawrence is suspended one game due to yellow card accumulation.
