New York Red Bulls II travel to take on Indy Eleven in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 26, with kick-off set for 7 p.m. ET. Here are three things to watch for:
Quarterfinal Streak on the Line
NYRB II are undefeated in all four of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal matches in club history. The team beat Charleston Battery in 2017 and 2018, Orlando City B in 2016 and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2015. Now on the road against Indy Eleven, NYRB II will be looking to continue their streak for another year.
Stroud on Fire
NYRB II midfielder Jared Stroud scored his 15th goal of the season against Loudoun United FC on Saturday, which tied the team record previously set by former NYRB II forward Brandon Allen in 2016. Stroud’s 15 goals saw him finish as the third-highest goalscorer in the Eastern Conference. Having found the back of the net when NYRB II hosted Indy Eleven in April, Stroud will be looking to do the same this weekend.
Pressure Is On
After a struggling finish to the 2019 USL Championship Regular Season, NYRB II will be forced to snap their six game winless streak to keep their season alive. With the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal coming down to just one match, NYRB II will have to be at their best when the opening whistle blows Saturday evening. “Nothing matters over the last few games, it's just about what we can do on on Saturday and if we can turn ourselves around in a good way. I think that gives us a good chance,” Head Coach John Wolyniec said.
Following Saturday's match, the winner will advance to face the winner of Nashville SC against Charleston Battery. A date and time has yet to be determined, and coverage will be available on ESPN+.
