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US Open Cup Preview: New York City FC vs NY Red Bulls

By Richard DeLaurell

Sep 11, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; A general view of Red Bull Arena during the national anthem prior to the game between the New York Red Bulls and the D.C. United. The Red Bulls and DC United tied, 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; A general view of Red Bull Arena during the national anthem prior to the game between the New York Red Bulls and the D.C. United. The Red Bulls and DC United tied, 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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US Open Cup 4th Round Kicks Off with Big Apple Derby

The 2017 US Open Cup crosses its half-way mark this week with the 4th round matches bringing MLS clubs into the mix.

Eastern Conference and cross-town rivals NYCFC and NY Red Bulls meet in Red Bull Arena Wednesday night to see which will move on to the Round of 16 matches scheduled for June 28.

NY Red Bulls (H)

New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) and midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) . Mandatory Credit: Chris Bergmann-USA TODAY Sports
New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) and midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) . Mandatory Credit: Chris Bergmann-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current MLS Record (W-L-D): 6-7-2
  • Last Time Out: Red Bulls have been off for the international break since dropping a June 3 match away to Montreal, 0-1.
  • Player to Watch For: Keeper Luis Robles will surely be tested by the high-powered NYC offense.  His ability to rise to the do-or-die occasion might be the difference.  Particularly if the match reaches a penalty shoot-out.
  • Why They Win: The only logic to Red Bulls’ season thus far is that at home they are nearly unbeatable.  On the road, they turn into Bizarro-Red Bulls and nearly always lose.  Tyler Adams is finally back with the club and will likely be on the bench at kickoff.  He is young and most comfortable at home, however, so that may be in NYRB’s favor this match.
  • Why They Won’t: Win or lose in the Open Cup, Red Bulls are facing a long stretch of very grueling matches in June.  Including a rematch of this one scheduled for ten days later. Though RBA has been the club’s stronghold in 2017, they might get caught looking ahead.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

New York City FC

New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current MLS Record (W-L-D): 7-5-3
  • Last Time Out: Defeated Philadelphia Union, 2-1, at home on June 3.
  • Player to Watch For: Maxi Moralez has been the fly in the ointment for superstar-minded defenses.  While the opposition is busy looking for big names to tackle, Moralez dazzles fans with play after play.
  • Why They Win: Villa is the focus of the offense and delivers in spades as a true striker.  But Moralez, Rodney Wallace, and especially Jack Harrison are all very legitimate threats to score.
  • Why They Won’t: Red Bulls’ best bet is to surprise NYC with personnel changes either at the start or with subs.  But if NYC can beat Robles early on it could be an easy night for the men in blue.
  • Predicted Starting XI:
  • Score Prediction 

Next: USMNT Player Ratings From Mexico WCQ'er

How to Watch: 

  • Where: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
  • When: Wed. June 14, 8p ET
  • Channel: Stream at NewYorkRedBulls.com, nycfc.com, or here thru USSoccer.com
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