This coming Saturday's match between New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field means more than any other MLS game. Histories and intertwined statistics outline the rivalry that comes with their meeting-meaning so much more than just three points on the table. While Chicago Fire seek to end their three-game winless streak at home, Red Bulls will be looking forward to keeping their unbeaten away streak alive, inching them closer in their playoff push.
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New York Red Bulls on the Rise
The Red Bulls come into this game confident, thanks in large part to a crucial 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City. Forward Julian Hall, at just 16 years old, made a name for himself in the final minutes by netting the equalizer and becoming the youngest player to register late-game, decisive goals more than once this season. Hall wasn't just great on the pitch; he was historic. He showed the future of the Red Bulls is bright.
Besides that, New York has never lost its last four matches away from home, showing that they are comparatively strong away from their home ground. That solidity on the road can be important when they clash with Chicago Fire, above all when going to an iconic venue like Soldier Field. And of course, experienced players like Cory Burke will be very useful. An exceptional record against the Fire, netting eight in 10 appearances, which included the highly pulsating win last season against them at Soldier Field.
Crisis at Chicago Fire
While the Red Bulls have their noses pointing upwards, the opposite cannot be said for Chicago Fire. The team is in a precarious position: three straight home losses and inconsistent performances. With just six wins this season and 14 draws, Chicago seems to have fallen deep into an inconsistency spiral to break out of as the season winds down.
What's most ominous for Fire fans, however, is the lack of bite in recent outings. The inability of the team to finish chances is combined with a propensity of vulnerability in the back, which can often prove costly in critical junctures of matches. This cocktail of tactical and psychological issues places Chicago in a precarious position going into this match against the Red Bulls.
If historical head-to-head between the teams is anything to go by, though, Chicago have a chink of hope. The Fire leads in wins with 31 against the Red Bulls' 21 and has also drawn 16. For the team in its current form, though, that historical edge does feel pretty distant.
Soldier Field Factor
This duel will take place at Soldier Field, a venue that has set the scene for many amazing sports moments in the U.S. Traditionally a fortress for Chicago Fire, the stadium has lost some of its magic in recent seasons. With the team struggling and the fans growing skeptical, the home atmosphere, which should be a strength, could actually work against them.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls have been taking advantage of their trips to Soldier Field, earning good results in recent matches. The confidence and experience that players from New York bring onto away games is what will make the difference in facing a Chicago team in crisis.
The Youth of Julián Hall and the Power of Cory Burke
It's been the youthful story of Julian Hall that has been a revelation to the Red Bulls. Just 16, the young forward has surpassed all expectations when it comes to maturity and skill during important moments of the game. His performance against Sporting Kansas City was the icing on the cake of a season where he's emerged as one of the league's most exciting prospects.
While Hall represents the future, Cory Burke brings along with him a load of experience. The Jamaican forward has time and again proved his mettle, especially against Chicago Fire, his "favorite opponent." His knack of raising his game in big moments makes him one of the primary dangers to the Chicago defense.