Preview: New England Revolution vs NY Red Bulls

PRESTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 3: Cody Cropper of USA during the International friendly match between England U21 and USA U23 at Deepdale on September 3, 2015 in Preston, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
PRESTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 3: Cody Cropper of USA during the International friendly match between England U21 and USA U23 at Deepdale on September 3, 2015 in Preston, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) /
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New England Revolution Host NY Red Bulls (The Guests Who Just Won’t Leave)

Six weeks ago New England Revolution travelled to New York and came away losers, 2-1, to a couple of late Red Bulls goals.  This week roles are reversed as NY Red Bulls travel to Boston’s Gillette Stadium as guests for the two teams’ next MLS regular season match.

Both clubs also advanced to the US Open Cup quarterfinals last week however and NYRB return for that game on July 13.

Here’s a quick preview of the first of those two games.

New England Revolution

Head coach Jay Heaps of New England Revolution. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Head coach Jay Heaps of New England Revolution. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

Current Record (W-L-D): 5-8-5

Last Time Out: Lost away, 0-3, to Philadelphia on Sunday.

Player to Watch: NYRB have recently signed Felipe to a new contract.  So he’s probably feeling pretty good about that.  But he’s also on a yellow card and will be suspended for the next one. Watch for Revs’ Benjamin Angoua and Andrew Farrell to try and take advantage and challenge Felipe from the start.

Win/Lose X-factor: Revolution are home for both this match and the Open Cup reboot to come very soon after. They also know Red Bulls are not full-strength (see below). That might be enough.

NY Red Bulls

Red Bulls Keeper Luis Robles
Red Bulls Keeper Luis Robles /

Current Record (W-L-D): 7-8-2

Last Time Out: Lost at home, 0-2, to New York City FC on June 24.

Player to Watch: “Player to watch”? That might be the right to question to ask since Red Bulls may only be able to put one guy on the field.  Joking of course.  But NYRB will be without the services of both Tyler Adams and Kemar Lawrence this match on account of league disciplinary action.  Red Bulls have also recently lost Mike Grella for the rest of the season to knee surgery. Soooo…try keeping one eye on Bradley Wright-Phillips (always easier said than done, he’s quick) and the other on Luis Robles.  If NYRB have any success it only accompanies a good game for their keeper.

Win/Lose X-factor: Red Bulls win more than Revs do this season, but they also tend to lose on the road.  On the over-under for this match then (and likely for the Open Cup return just a few days hence), it’s kind of a pick-’em situation.

How To Watch:

In person Wed. July 5, at 7:30p ET Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass., or stream it live online (free with an account) at MLS Live.

Next: Seattle Sounders New International Signing