The New York Red Bulls (13-9-6) kick off a two game home stand Saturday night; welcoming the second worst team in MLS, Toronto FC (4-13-11) to Red Bull Arena. The match has importance for both teams. New York is vying for playoff positioning in the east on top of making a run at the Supporters Shield. TFC just fired Kevin Payne and once again look to be in a rebuilding phase heading into their off-season. TFC players are more dangerous than other players simply for the fact they are once again fighting for their jobs at the club.
The Red Bull’s are coming off impressive back-to-back wins over their last two matches. After securing 3 points at home against rivals DC United with 10 men, New York went down to Houston and beat the Dynamo in BBVA Compass Stadium. New York had only once before won in Houston in the 2008 playoff run that saw New York reach its only MLS Cup. The Red Bulls had depth questions to answer heading into the match due to injury and suspension. The seemingly anemic offense received an iron shot as Eric Alexander, Thierry Henry, Jonny Steele, and Lloyd Sam all found the back of the net and Bradley Wright-Phillips put in a complete shift of hard work up top.
For the second week in a row, the Red Bull’s opponent had a midweek game. TFC hosted the Chicago Fire in a 1-1 draw. Toronto’s six game unbeaten streak reached six matches and if TFC does not pull points from the Red Bulls, they will be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Robert Earnshaw scored Toronto’s lone goal since June 15th but left the match with a hamstring injury and is doubtful for the tilt in NY. Without Earnshaw, Ryan Nelson has the options of Justin Braun (another typical New York killer) and newly acquired forward Bright Dike.
If New York's depth was tested last week, I don't know what you call team sheet Mike Petke will have this week. On top of Miller, Lade, and Ian Christianson being out, Lloyd Sam has missed a bit of training the last two days with tightness in his groin. Petke has said it's just a precaution as Sam took in all of tactical parts of training on Friday. Right back Brandon Barklage is day to day but it seems as if Petke won't use the St. Louis man; making Kosuke Kimura and David Carney the only fullbacks in the side healthy. The Red Bull’s do get back Ibrahim Sekagaya after he served a game suspension for one of the worst red cards ever. The Red Bull’s have the slightest of chances of getting their Australian DP back in Tim Cahill. Cahill has been out of the lineup since halfway through the DC United match. Cahill suffered ligament damage on his left ankle after a reckless challenge left him on the ground in pain during Lloyd Sam's first goal. Cahill did stay on the field long enough to score the eventual game winner. Mike Petke has said that a decision on Cahill and Sam will be made Saturday. If neither can go, expect Petke to play Sekagaya next to Dax McCarty in the midfield and Eric Alexander to start out wide right. If Sam can't go, it would be a huge blow to the Red Bulls offense. Sure Cahill is always there in a tight spot but it has been Sam's play out wide that haw sparked the Red Bulls. Sam has the drive to and confidence to run at players and beat them. Along with the energy of Bradley Wright-Phillips, the Red Bulls offense looks as dangerous as it did when Luke Rodgers and Kenny Cooper were in it. Over the past few seasons, New York has averaged 3 goals per game when TFC has visited, with a couple of 5-0 victories in the mix.
The Eastern Conference and Supporter’s Shield races are coming to a close and teams are starting to separate themselves. If the Red Bulls want to maintain pace, a win over TFC is a must.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
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