Real Salt Lake vs New York Red Bulls: Preview & How To Watch

In a week of World Cup Qualifying, RSL and NYRB will still take the field. Both sides will be missing key pieces as they look for a result.

As the USMNT prepares to take on Honduras in World Cup Qualifying, Real Salt Lake and New York Red Bulls will do battle in one of three MLS games this weekend. RSL has had quite the start of the season and are still looking for their first win. Red Bulls are 2-1-0 so far and will be looking to get over their loss to Seattle on the road last week. Here’s what we’ll be looking out for.

Mar 19, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; The New York Red Bulls celebrate after New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) scored a goal against the Seattle Sounders during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Red Bulls

Things quickly got out of hand for the Red Bulls last week, falling 1-3 while visiting Seattle. This was RB’s first loss this season after winning their opener at Atlanta before winning their home debut against Colorado.

Red Bulls will be without play-maker Sacha Kljestan, who is with the USMNT. They will also be missing attacker Gonzalo Veron, who is still out with a hamstring injury. Red Bulls will look to apply the pressure from early on against a struggling RSL side as they look to maintain their 15-game home unbeaten streak.

Expect the Red Bulls to try to dominate possession with their midfield and keep things on their opponent’s half. With all the turmoil RSL is experiencing, anything less than a Red Bulls victory would be disappointing for New York fans.

Mar 18, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) chases down a loose ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium. Los Angeles Galaxy won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Real Salt Lake

It’s been a wild week for Real Salt Lake. After falling in a controversial match against conference rival LA Galaxy, the team decided to part ways with head coach Jeff Cassar. Head goalkeeper coach and team assistant, Daryl Shore, will take over as interim. To make matters worse, the injury bug is still with the team, along with losing key pieces to World Cup Qualifying.

RSL will also be without their play-maker, Albert Rusnák, who is in camp with the Slovakian National Team. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando is with the USMNT and will miss the contest. Captain Kyle Beckerman will miss this match thanks to a red card suspension, and defenders Aaron Maund, Justen Glad, and David Horst are all listed as questionable. Key attacking pieces Joao Plata and Jordan Allen are both still listed as out after missing the LA match last week.

With the absences, Real’s depth will be tested as the club looks to break their poor run of form. RSL has only scored one goal thus far in three matches, and are win-less since last August. That depth includes youngsters Brooks Lennon and Sebastian Saucedo. The two wingers should get another start after being two of the few bright spots against LA.

What to Expect

Red Bulls will look to bounce back following their road loss and will have the majority of the pieces that have helped them off to their hot start. Real Salt Lake will have their first contest following the coaching change, and are likely to experience a lot of transition in the next few weeks. Expect to Red Bulls control the possession on their way to extending their home unbeaten streak to 16.

Bold Prediction: Red Bulls 2 – Real Salt Lake 0.

Where to Watch

Location: Red Bull Arena. Harrison, New Jersey.

When: Saturday, March 25, 4:00 PM (EST)

Television: UniMás, facebook.com/univisiondeportes

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