New York Cosmos vs. New York Red Bulls: 10 Bold Predictions

Jun 8, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Red Bulls forward P guy Luyindula (8) is congratulated after scoring against the New England Revolution in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New York Red Bulls defeated the New England Revolution 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re a soccer fan living in New York City, this is what it’s all about: a derby match between two accomplished sides. Despite being based in Harrison, N.J. and despite coming into the match understrength, Mike Petke’s New York Red Bulls—the defending MLS Supporters Shield champions—are no slouched, with a 4-5-6 record (18 points), good enough for hanging in the middle of the MLS Eastern Conference. Giovanni Savarese’s New York Cosmos finished the 2014 NASL Spring season with a record of 6-1-2 (19 points), just losing out to Minnesota United for the top spot.

City pride is on the line tonight as the top powerhouse team in the Big Apple takes on the current reincarnation of the old powerhouse at Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, N.Y. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and will be televised by One World Sports. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for tonight’s U.S. Open Cup clash between the New York Cosmos and New York Red Bulls.

1. At least four saves for Jimmy Maurer

Jimmy Maurer is predicted by the MLS Multiplex to start tonight against the Red Bulls and make at least four saves. He’ll need to put on a solid performance against a really good Red Bulls team that will be missing top guns like Dax McCarty, Tim Cahill, Roy Miller, Jamison Olave and Thierry Henry due to injury, national team duty and media obligations.

2. Ryan Meara to make at least four saves for Red Bulls

It would surprising if Luis Robles earned the start for the Red Bulls against the Cosmos, so the MLS Multiplex is leaving the work to backup Ryan Meara, who will come up big to power his side. Meara will make at least four saves.

3. Lloyd Sam will score for Red Bulls

This game is an opportunity for the fringe players to show what they can do. One of those players is the New York Red Bulls’ Lloyd Sam, who has only one goal, but six assists, and is the Red Bulls’ top provide. Sam will score in this game in the first half.

4. Here comes Eric Alexander

Eric Alexander only has one goal to his credit, but he should be able to get in on goal and score against the Cosmos. Alexander might be the unsung hero in this game, so watch out for Eric.

5. Bradley Wright-Phillips with a brace

If Petke and the Red Bulls are serious about this match, they will send out Bradley Wright-Phillips, who is one of the hottest scorers in Major League Soccer with 11 goals to his name. BWP is going to be the X-Factor the Red Bulls need to dominate this game.

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6. No goals for Ayoze

New York Cosmos defender Ayoze has two goals this season in league for Savarese’s club. However, he will be among a number of notables to come up empty for the hosts.

7. Mads Stokkelien will score for the Cosmos

Norwegian striker Mads Stokkelien leads the Cosmos in scoring with three goals to his credit. Against the Red Bulls, Stokkelien will leave a dent in the visitors’ armor with a goal late.

8. No goals for Alessandro Noselli

There are times Italian forward Alessandro Noselli will have a nose for goal in the colors of the Cosmos. Against the Red Bulls, Noselli will have it tough and will also come up empty.

9. At least 40 fouls and five cards

This is a derby match, and both teams will treat it as such. And there should be a good turnout for this game. At least 40 fouls will be whistled and at least five cards of any color will be issued.

10. Red Bulls to win this one

A good Open Cup contender needs to have quality in its depth, and Mike Petke’s New York Red Bulls have exactly that. In a high-scoring game on the campus of Hofstra University, the Red Bulls will earn bragging right over the Cosmos for the best team in the Big Apple. At least, until New York City FC comes calling. With the win, the Red Bulls will either host the Harrisburg City Islanders or travel to PPL Park in Chester, Pa. to take on the Philadelphia Union.

New York Red Bulls 4, New York Cosmos 1