New England Revolution vs. New York Red Bulls: 10 Bold Predictions

Nov 23, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones (13) after winning the Eastern Conference Championship against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. The New England Revolution won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Heaps’s New England Revolution and Mike Petke’s New York Red Bulls continue their quest to head out West for the 2014 MLS Cup Final. The second leg of the 2014 MLS Eastern Conference Championship takes place on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The Revs won the first leg, 2-1, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. A win or draw of any kind will do, while the Red Bulls will need a two-goal win or a one-goal win that sees New York score at least three goals.

Kickoff for this 2014 MLS Eastern Conference Championship second leg is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN. John Strong and Robbie Earle will have the call. A live blog will also be posted on the MLS Multiplex starting at 1 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s contest between the New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls

1. At least 45 fouls and 10 cards

The referee will have a great day deliberately stealing the show from both teams. The brains trust that is the MLS Multiplex is calling for at least 45 fouls whistled and 10 cards issued.

2. A player will be sent off

Yes, we are also thinking that the man in the middle will get his 15 seconds of two’s up from one angry bastion of whippersnappers. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting, with extra hot sauce, that a player will be sent off in this contest.

3. Thierry Henry will score

With Bradley Wright-Phillips unavailable for this match due to yellow card accumulation, it will be up to Thierry Henry to right the ship and give hope to the cause of Metro Playoff Fever. Henry will be on the scoresheet in the first half.

4. Jermaine Jones with a brace

Jermaine Jones is a certain lock for MLS Newcomer of the Year. His goal in the first leg last week at Red Bull Arena gave the Revs a leg up over New York. Jones will continue his scoring form on Saturday afternoon with a brace.

5. Lee Nguyen on goal for New England

In perhaps one final throw of the dice to win the Volkswagen League MVP Award, New England’s very own Lee Nguyen will score for the Revs late in the second half. Nguyen probably will not win the award (pun averted), but you have to applaud his effort.

6. At least five saves from Bobby Shuttleworth

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New England Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth had a fantastic performance on goal, with six saves to his name. Watch for Shuttleworth to make it great with at least five saves to his credit.

7. Under four saves for Luis Robles

The Revolution, tragically, will be too much for Red Bulls netminder Luis Robles to handle. He only made two saves against New England in the first leg, and as result, we here at the MLS Multiplex believe Robles will make under four saves on Saturday.

8. Teal Bunbury gets in on goal

We called on Teal Bunbury, in our last Bold Predictions, to get two assists, but he did better: he had an assist and a goal. Bunbury will start up a late hotstreak with a goal in the first half.

9. No goals or assists for Tim Cahill

There is a possibility that Tim Cahill will be moving back to Australia to play in the A-League. He has not been receiving as much minutes as before and he will end this year with a whimper and not a bang. There will be no goals or assists for Cahill in this game.

10. New England are through to the MLS Cup Final

The New England Revolution were dominant in their first leg with the New York Red Bulls. But in the second leg, they will be even more convincing. A complete performance from the new Beasts from the East will see them head west for a date with either the Seattle Sounders or Los Angeles Galaxy.

New England Revolution 3, New York Red Bulls 1
New England wins series, 5-2