New York Red Bulls hope to snatch first place in the Eastern Conference as they are just one point from the top and have to play first place FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday night. The two teams are have started the year strong with similar issues scoring goals from the forward position. Red Bulls have circumvented the issue with league leading scorer Lewis Morgan but know they will need more from the striker position to continue their fast start to 2024.
Last week’s result for New York may have felt disappointing after surrendering a late own-goal to Orlando City SC. However, the team has fought through injuries, road trips and multiple call-ups to show that their new style of play is competitive with the teams at the top of MLS. Expectations are that designated player Emil Forsberg may not be available for the game as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Sweden. Still, the team is more than healthy enough to put on a good fight in Cincinnati.
The striker question still looms for Red Bulls as Dante Vanzeir has shown himself to be a stronger distributor than goal-scorer. His movement on the ball has made openings for midfielders such a Morgan and Frankie Amaya to get into dangerous positions. His looks at goal have been reasonable, however they are fewer than one would expect for a striker brought in to solve the issue that has plagued the club since the departure of Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Cincinnati is one of the few teams yet to lose a game in 2024 but stumbled a bit last week with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC. Many had predicted the reigning Supporters Shield winners to push past the opposition but their inability to convert chances haunted them. Thus far, in six regular season games, the team has only scored multiple goals twice, while only putting one in the back of the net once in each of the last two games. All of this despite having 2023 MLS MVP Luciano Acosta in the line-up through the international break.
One of the main reasons for their current form is the lack of production from Aaron Boupendza. Much of the weight carried by Bandon Vasquez last season has fallen onto his shoulders. In six appearances, Boupendza has only scored twice and only has seven total goals with the club over two season.
In many ways, Saturday’s game is the second real test the Red Bulls have faced in 2024. The first being a previous visit to Ohio against the Columubus Crew SC where the team was handily beaten 3-0. Head coach Sandro Schwarz and the club hope for a different outcome at TQL Stadium.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis, Eile, S. Nealis, Duncan, Stroud, Amaya, Edelman, Morgan, Manoel, Vanzeir
AVAILABILITY:
Corey Burke (out with groin injury)
Emil Forsberg (questionable with hamstring injury)
photo by Matt Kremkau