NY Red Bulls Look to Even the Score With Montreal Impact

New Look New York Red Bulls Host Rematch With Montreal Impact

NY Red Bulls head man, Jesse Marsch, instituted a new formation during his club’s Round of 16 US Open Cup match with Philadelphia about one month ago now. Things have been looking up for New York ever since. But that change came about two weeks after Marsch and co. went down to defeat at Montreal Impact, 1-0.

Those two “last month” trends will be tested this Saturday, July 29, as Red Bulls host Impact on NYRB’s home ground. Which trend will carry the day?

NY Red Bulls (H)

Jesse Marsch of NY Red Bulls (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) /

Current Record (W-L-D): 10-8-2
Last Time Out: 3-0 win away to Minnesota United FC last Saturday.
Player to Watch For: Defender Fidel Escobar has joined the club just this week. He is on loan from Sporting San Miguelito of Panama City, Panamá. The club’s website does not indicate if the 22 year old will start or play this weekend. NYRB’s Daniel Royer, however, is certain to be on the field one way or another. The 27-year-old Austrian was named MLS player of the week last time. He scored two goals in stoppage time against San Jose to seal the Red Bulls’ 5-1 home victory.
Why They Win: Right now Red Bulls are winning mainly because, as noted, Coach Jesse Marsch changed his team’s formation. That change seems to have made a great difference. The new shape generates more opportunities to press forward and more chances at goal as well. That means Bradley Wright-Phillips is no longer carrying the entire burden on offense. That’s meant more for Royer, as noted, and more for NYRB’s fans to be happy about as well.
Why They Won’t: Red Bulls have been very good at home this entire season. Now they’ve won their last two road games as well. Frankly, it’s hard to see them losing this one under any circumstances.

Montreal Impact

Montreal Goalkeeper Evan Bush /

Current Record (W-L-D): 6-7-6

Last Time Out: 2-1 home loss to FC Dallas last Saturday night.

Player to Watch For:

Like the Red Bulls, Impact have also taken advantage of the summer transfer window to pad their coffers. The club has signed another player from an Italian club.

Deian Boldor, a 22-year-old Romanian who last played for the storied Hellas Verona club of Serie B. (HV were promoted for the coming season to Serie A.) Like Escobar, however, it is uncertain when he will actually be ready to take the field. Boldor, a looming physical presence on defense, joins Blerim Džemaili as former Italian league players at Montreal. Džemaili transferred earlier this season from Bologna, Italy. He made a fairly large splash just after that transfer. But Džemaili missed at least one clear chance last time out against Dallas and has looked a bit less like the world-beater he had in those first few “honeymoon” weeks. For now, however, he is the man to watch until further notice.

Why They Win: Ignacio Piatti returned to the field in the second half of the loss to Dallas. The 32-year-old Argentinian has been nagged by injuries this entire season. When he is healthy and on the field the Impact have a much more formidable attack. And a better chance at 3 points.

Why They Won’t: As was the case when he returned earlier this year Piatti may still not be one hundred percent.

Predicted Score:

Next: What if MLS Teams Faced Relegation?

How to Watch: MLSLive at mlssoccer.com
Where: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
When: Sat., July 29, 7:30p ET

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