New York Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions
August 25, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Marius Obekop (13) controls the ball against the defense of Chivas USA defender Carlos Borja (5) and midfielder Martin Ponce (18) in the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
In order to defend trophies like the MLS Supporters Shield, you have to win games against the opponents you’re supposed to beat. For Mike Petke’s New York Red Bulls, the Mar. 30 match with Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA is a straightforward affair. However, Chivas—a team going through a transition season—is not going to go down without a fight at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J..
Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by UniMas. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s match between the New York Red Bulls and Chivas USA.
1. At least five goals
There will be goals in this game. A lot of goals. Plenty for the fans in Red Bull Arena to salivate over. The MLS Multiplex is calling for at least five.
2. Tim Cahill will score for New York
Tim Cahill is due for a breakout year in 2014, and on Sunday, one of Australia’s top goalscorers will deliver for the Red Bulls with a goal and an assist.
3. Thierry Henry with a brace
Mention the name Thierry Henry, and you have the face of the Red Bulls. Even at his age, Henry is still a reliable scoring option for New York, and on Sunday, he will get a couple of goals to lead the home side.
4. Bradley Wright-Phillips to score for New York
Bradley Wright-Phillips, the brother of Shawn Wright-Phillips, is also a viable option for New York and can be called on to clean things up in garbage time. Watch for BWP to get on goal in the second half.
5. Luis Robles with at least four saves
Goalkeeper Luis Robles won’t have to do a lot of work on Sunday, but with Chivas being a revamped outfit, the danger is still there. So look for Robles to make at least four saves for the Red Bulls.
6. Dan Kennedy with under five saves
It’s going to be another rough night for Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, who will made under five saves in what looks to be a tough losing effort for one of the top players on the team.
7. Erick Torres to score for Chivas
Erick Torres is Chivas’s top scorer and is on a hotstreak of his own. Torres should be able to grab another one on the road against New York, but it will be mere consolation.
8. No goals for Leandro Barrera
Midfielder Leandro Barrera is another player to watch for Chivas USA on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. But while he might be padding his stats on the Opta Chalkboard, he won’t find the back of the net on Sunday.
9. At least 30 fouls and five cards
The fouls will be whistled and the cards will be issued. At least 30 fouls will be called and at least five cards of any color will be handed out. This is going to get ugly.
10. New York walks all over Chivas USA
But despite the match being an ugly affair in terms of the chippiness, the New York Red Bulls will add a W to their column in what will be an easy victory over Chivas USA.
New York Red Bulls 4, Chivas USA 1