New York Red Bulls: Depth will be tested as MLS resumes

The New York Red Bulls return to MLS play this week with an extremely difficult stretch of matches. Their depth will be tested to the extreme.

After having more than two weeks off, the New York Red Bulls will be thrown back into the fire with three MLS games in the next week beginning on Friday when they host Chicago at Red Bull Arena. After the long break, they need to hit the ground running following some frustrating results.

New York resumes play after two disappointing defeats in their most recent games. The last game they played in MLS was a disappointing 3-2 defeat on the road in Philadelphia after being two goals ahead well into the second half.

Three days later, RBNY squandered another lead in the U.S. Open Cup against the New England Revolution. After going behind early, New York showed a great response, which culminated in goals from Tom Barlow and Cristian Casseres Jr., to take the lead late into the game. However, self-inflicted mistakes, including a missed penalty from Alex Muyl and some untimely wayward passes allowed New England to sneak out of the cup tie with a 3-2 come from behind win.

These upcoming matches could also feature a unique set of line-ups from head-coach Chris Armas. Backline stalwarts Aaron Long, Kemar Lawrence and Michael Amir Murillo are all currently participating in the Gold Cup, as is Derrick Etienne Jr., who has been an important presence in the attacking third for the Red Bulls. With no updates on the availability of Bradley Wright-Phillips, Armas will have to continue with the ‘next man up approach.’ Wright-Phillips was listed as questionable for the New England game in the cup tie so there is a good chance RBNY he will return at some point over this important stretch.

In addition to the roster obstacles, this will prove to be a tough stretch because of the quality of opponents the Red Bulls are set to face. Chicago is just outside of the playoff picture as of now, tied with Toronto on 19 points, but only behind on goal differential. The Friday night clash against the Fire will be followed by a trip down to Houston, currently fifth in the Western Conference and have conceded only 18 goals in 14 games this season. Four days later, New York will be on their way to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Atlanta United, who currently sit one spot ahead of RBNY in the Eastern Conference.

The pressure is on some of the younger players to perform with the notable absentees from the Red Bulls squad. With the status of BWP still uncertain, Brian White must continue his strong run of form. The former Duke University star has shown impressive instincts in and around the goal, which have resulted in goals in different types of situations.

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Take the game against Philadelphia. White chased down a long ball over the top, positioned himself in a narrow gap in between two Union defenders, and with one touch. chipped it over the oncoming Andre Blake. White’s instincts have been backed up by his technical abilities leading to his team-leading four goals in MLS competition.

Whether it be White, Casseres, or Omir Fernadez, during this busy three-game stretch, the Red Bulls are going to need to show that they have the necessary depth.

The following week will teach fans and pundits alike a lot about the makeup of the New York Red Bulls. Down some significant players and a short turnaround between fixtures, these three games against three playoff-caliber teams will show the character of a Red Bulls team whose form has been all over the place in 2019.

And all this is without mentioning that a week from Sunday, the Red Bulls face New York City FC in the Hudson River Derby. This really is a tough stretch. And the New York Red Bulls depth will unquestionably be tested.