New York Red Bulls: Three points or bust vs D.C. United at home
The New York Red Bulls are coming off another draw this time vs NYCFC. However, this Sunday vs scorching hot D.C. United, a single point or less will not suffice.
The New York Red Bulls are coming off an admirable two draws in road games ranging from across the continent to across the Hudson River. However, despite short rest, the team is back home Sunday and another draw will not help them.
The Supporters’ Shield is not the only thing to play for this season. The Red Bulls are once again talented enough to make a push for the MLS Cup.
But, the Supporters’ Shield is something that is still very much winnable and a loss or draw vs D.C United on Sunday will change that.
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It is far from the Red Bulls’ fault that there is almost no room for error left. A draw vs Vancouver last weekend felt like a steal. Then, a draw vs NYCFC felt like they had points taken from them.
But at the end of the day, the Red Bulls can only win the shield if Atlanta United slows down. With that unlikely to happen, the only thing the Red Bulls can do is get all three points before they host Atlanta with the Shield likely on the line down the road.
Right now, however, another draw will not suffice for the Metros, it won’t do anything besides simply keep them afloat.
They simply need three vs Wayne Rooney and his new “United” team. Even taking the possibility of winning the Shield and tossing it, the Red Bulls still need to maintain a cushion over NYCFC for second in the East.
Why? Because by finishing second in the East they would end up with a bye in the MLS Cup playoffs giving them a helpful advantage in their quest to show that Red Bull does not just come in cans, it comes in Cups too.
Although a draw vs a D.C. team that is playing very well would be better than an outright loss, it is not even close to doing the wonders of a win.
You do not need me to tell you that winning is better, but with the way the rest of the East is coming on the Red Bulls actually need three again.
The Red Bulls have been playing so well all year it is difficult to ask them to keep it going, but if they want to set themselves up best for the ultimate goal of hanging a Cup Championship banner in Harrison, they need to earn three points.
The best bet is for the Red Bulls to play the same XI they have been. They wasted an opportunity last match vs NYC by not striking despite playing against just nine men, but that is what should fuel them to win in front of their home crowd.
The Red Bulls are promoting a firework show for after the match, but I doubt anyone will stick around for them anything short of a Red Bulls victory.
So, once again, no matter how respectable not losing in four matches is, not winning one for three straight would negate all of that.
The Red Bulls are playing for a lot more than just the Shield. They are playing for a shorter road to the playoffs and pride vs their oldest rival in DC United.
Next. Mets fans should curb their enthusiasm. dark
As much as it pains to hear, and I’m pretty sure the Red Bulls squad knows this too, it is three points or bust for New York’s original club this Sunday at home.