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NY Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union: Preview and How to Watch

By Richard DeLaurell

May 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong pushes the ball upfield against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Rapids 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong pushes the ball upfield against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Rapids 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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NY Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union: A Tale of Two Cities, Part Deux

NY Red Bulls visited Philadelphia Union about a month ago just before Mother’s Day. The aftermath has been a tale of two teams going in opposite directions.

The match — a 3-0 win for the home team — seemed to completely derail what had been a promising season for NYRB.  New York were 5-4-1 going in.  But Red Bulls have managed just one win since.

At the same time that game marked the first of a run of 4 victories for the Union who had been winless for the season to that point.

This weekend is Father’s Day in the USA and the two teams are set to renew their NJ Turnpike Derby once again on the Union’s home turf.  Both sides are coming off wins in the US Open Cup, but that means short rest for both as well.

Could this match be the yang to the yin of their previous meeting?  Here’s a preview.

Philadelphia Union (H)

Philadelphia Union forward Chris Pontius (13). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Union forward Chris Pontius (13). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-6-4
  • Last Time Out: Union made short work of USL’s Harrisburg City last Thursday in US Open Cup play.  They defeated the Islanders 3-1 at home.  Philadelphia had dropped their last league match away to New York City FC, 1-2, on June 3.
  • Player to Watch For: Forward CJ Sapong leads the scoring for the Union.  He has as many goals as Chris Pontius has assists thus far in 2017.  Pontius is on the USMNT roster for next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.  The big surprise in Philadelphia’s victory over Harrisburg was the goalkeeping of John McCarthy.  Not necessarily playing his natural position, McCarthy took full advantage of the opportunity with some impressive work between the sticks.  Red Bulls also rested their own No. 1, Luis Robles, from their Open Cup match.  It is likely that Robles and Philadelphia’s regular keeper Andre Blake will both be back goal on Sunday.
  • Why They Win: Union have a very potent attacking third. They placed Jay Simpson on point last time out and he made everyone else look very good.
  • Why They Won’t: Injuries have plagued the Union in 2017.  Those tend to cause personnel changes which cause more problems in the week-to-week.  Fabian Herbers was the latest to go down earlier this month.  Pontius has been a successful starter before however and looks up to filling that role again.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

NY Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams (4). Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams (4). Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 6-7-2
  • Last Time Out: Red Bulls defeated New York City FC in the Open Cup on Wednesday night at home.  They posted that win without having coach Jesse Marsch on the sidelines.  Marsch was serving time for bad behavior during last year’s tournament.  On June 3 they lost their previous league match at Montréal, 0-1.  This time with their coach on the sidelines.  Draw your own conclusions.  (JK, JM.)
  • Player to Watch For: The last match between these two sides was also the last league match for Tyler Adams.  He’s been off playing for country with the USMNT U20’s.  He came back just in time to put in some outstanding play as a starter for the Red Bulls’ Open Cup win.  Adams adds exactly the dimension to NYRB’s attack and defense which had been missing since, well, since he left the team.
  • Why They Win: As noted NYRB haven’t much won since they last visited Philadelphia.  Red Bulls seem very one-dimensional particularly on the road.  They may still need to consider having striker Bradley Wright-Phillips drop back a bit from the tip of their offensive spear.
  • Why They Won’t:  Red Bulls need to find options on offense.  If for no other reason than to make defending less anxious than it’s been the last few times out.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Next: MLS Week 16 and US Open Cup Podcast

How to Watch: 

    • Where: Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, PA
    • When: Sunday, June 18, 5p ET
    • Channel: ESPN, MLS LIVE, and ESPN Deportes
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