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New York Red Bulls vs. Colorado Rapids: Preview and How To Watch

By James Grinder

Apr 16, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) and Colorado Rapids midfielder Michael Azira (22) battle for the ball in the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids defeated the Red Bulls 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) and Colorado Rapids midfielder Michael Azira (22) battle for the ball in the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids defeated the Red Bulls 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Red Bulls stand ready to take on the Colorado Rapids at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.

New York Red Bulls return home after outlasting  MLS newcomers Atlanta United FC in the season opener, coming from behind to win 2-1. The Colorado Rapids fly into New York on the wings of a 1-0 win over New England Revolution.

Colorado’s defense looked in great form on Saturday, holding off a lukewarm offense that is going through some growing pains. However, the back line seems to be operating as strong as ever.

Rapids Form

One of the main reasons for that strong backline is Axel Sjöberg, who was named to the MLS Team of the Week.

The only question for the Colorado Rapids is who will start in net, between clean sheet winner Zac MacMath or USMNT Tim Howard, who is returning from injury?

Despite creating several offensive chances, Kevin Doyle was unable to add to the scoreline. That will change, as the season goes on. Dominique Badji, meanwhile, needs to keep this up:

Busy start for the Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls arrive home after grinding out a win in their last match in Atlanta. Their CONCACAF Champions League obligations, perhaps, showing in their legs, the team was able to overcome fatigue and beat the expansion side.

Atlanta’s offense controlled the first half, but as the game wore on, the New York Red Bulls asserted their authority. They’ll be looking to get Bradley Wright-Phillips off the mark and scoring in this next match.

The new look midfield is still missing Dax McCarty. So are the fans, but that’s another story.

Coach Jesse Marsch’s RB Leipzig-inspired 4-2-2-2 was not clicking in the first half, with playmaker Sacha Kljestan playing slightly out of position, up top with BWP. A halftime switch to a 4-1-3-2 led to the changing of the tide.

Luis Robles looked solid as ever in net. Tune in this Saturday to watch him break the MLS Ironman record for consecutive starts. Congratulations, Luis, on an incredible feat!

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These teams are both extremely solid, and I expect both to push for the top playoff spots. New York landing Fredrik Guldbransen should only help.

For this meeting, however, I’ll take the New York Red Bulls. They’ve played more high profile matches, as of late, and finally were afforded a bit of rest this week. Colorado, looks equally as strong coming into this game, but may not have the firepower to overcome the Red Bulls at home.

How to Watch

TV: New York: UniMas  / Colorado: UniMas / MLS LIVE

Radio: New York: Red Bulls Radio Network (English and Spanish)  / Colorado: Altitude Sports Radio AM 950 (English), La Invasora 87.7 FM (Spanish)

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