New Red Bulls seek redemption, while Sporting Kansas City struggles on the road

This Saturday, the game between New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City at Red Bull Arena will be anything but a regular three-point battle. These two teams, with a long history in MLS, take to the pitch seeking affirmation and, of course, to keep their playoff hopes alive. While the Red Bulls are seeking a rebound after an aggravating home defeat, Sporting Kansas City heads east looking to snap a three-game losing streak on the road.

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Red Bulls: Pressure to Reclaim Momentum

Fourth-placed New York Red Bulls are in an enviable position in the Eastern Conference with 42 points. A recent defeat to Philadelphia Union by 2-0 broke a nine-game unbeaten streak and finally saw them lose their first match at home this season. This defeat therefore places pressure on the players to regain their confidence so as to keep their playoff push on track.

Watch out for defender Sean Nealis. He is nearing his 150th appearance for the club, which would see him become the third native of New York to reach that total with the Red Bulls. The home defense will be key in this contest, particularly in nullifying Kansas City's offense, but Nealis and company have their eyes on a second consecutive win at home.

Sporting Kansas City: Looking to Move Past Woeful Away Form

With that, Sporting Kansas City comes into this matchup in search of something that's largely eluded the club in 2024: consistency on the road. Owners of a 2-9-2 record away from Children's Mercy Park, Peter Vermes' squad knows they'll need to get their away form in order if they are to keep their postseason aspirations alive.

Despite those struggles, there is cause for optimism: Sporting leads the league in goals scored from outside the area - a testament to their ability to create danger without necessarily needing to break through defenses. Recently, Peter Vermes celebrated his 250th win as a head coach - which may be just what Kansas City needs to get back to winning ways.

A Balanced, Historic Rivalry

The matches between New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City have always been tight. In 58 games played, both teams minted 22 wins and 14 draws each. That historical balance adds steam to a match that might tip the scale in one of Major League Soccer's biggest rivalries.

The last time these teams met at Red Bull Arena was in 2021, with Kansas City taking a 2-1 victory. This time around, the Red Bulls have the opportunity to get revenge and further extend their stronghold at home, where they have picked up 140 wins since the stadium opened.

Expectations and Challenges

For the Red Bulls, it is about reclaiming some of the defensive solidity that defined large parts of their season. The defeat to Philadelphia Union meant that it not only ended a long unbeaten run but also exposed certain defensive frailties that do need sorting out. Nealis inclusion into the lineup should give the defensive unit more stability, and they will have to take advantage of Kansas City's poor away form for the win.

What they want is to improve road performances for Sporting Kansas City, with a poor season so far boasting just two wins away from home. That in itself has been their constant struggle, although they are still a threat by virtue of a dangerous attack that might upset the Red Bulls should it find its rhythm.