New York Red Bulls II vs. Chicago Fire FC II
MSU Soccer Park – Montclair, N.J.
Sunday, August 27 – 7:00 p.m. ET
MLSNEXTPro.com
#NYvCHI
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (August 27, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (12-7-5, 44 pts.) are set for their second match of the season against Chicago Fire FC II (8-7-9, 37 pts.) at MSU Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and coverage is available on MLSNEXTPro.com.
New York has had an impressive run as of late, having scored nine goals and only conceded two in the last two matches. The attack has been led by Ibrahim Kasule, Frank Ssebufu, and Wiki Carmona, who combined for seven of those nine goals and are the top three leading goal scorers in the club this season.
Chicago Fire FC II are in the midst of their best stretch of matches so far this year, having been unbeaten in their last five. Fire II have been making their push for the playoffs during this run, and currently sit right above the playoff line at 6th with four matches left to go in the regular season.
It was a defensive battle in the last match between these two sides in Chicago as the clubs were held to a 0-0 draw that would lead a shootout. Red Bulls II came out on top in the shootout, 3-0, and earned the extra point thanks to crucial saves from A.J. Marcucci, who had tied his career high for saves in a match with seven.
While the attack has been in top form, the defensive play from New York throughout the entire regular season cannot be overlooked. Red Bulls II sit at the top of the league in just about every major defensive statistic. The club is currently at third in MLS NEXT Pro in least goals allowed with 26, which is a massive contributor to New York having the fifth highest goal differential as well at +15.
Red Bulls II are sitting at 4th in the Eastern Conference table with four matches left to go in the regular season and playoffs right around the corner. Chicago have vaulted themselves up the table over the past five weeks into 6th place and a playoff spot.
Coverage is available on MLSNEXTPro.com
