The New York Red Bulls (7-6-3, 24 pts.) host Chicago Fire (4-6-7, 19 pts.) for Pride Night at Red Bull Arena on Friday, June 28 at 8 p.m.
Here are the Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:
Second-Half Start
It's not the halfway point, but the extended break has made this next stretch of games feel like the start of the second half of the season.
With seven matches over the next 30 days (four on the road), the Red Bulls will look to start their run on Friday night at Red Bull Arena.
Schweinsteiger Stopper
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been playing deep, trying to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard this season. The Red Bulls were held scoreless in their previous matchup, with the German along the back line.
Breaking through Schweinsteiger - while also keeping him off the scoresheet if he advances forward - will be key to securing three points on Friday night.
Table Time
Sixteen games down starts the table watching for postseason positioning.
This Eastern Conference matchup could be a determining factor come late September.
