Get to know the matchup in Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:
Back in Business
New York will return to the pitch on Wednesday night following a lengthy 18-day break. The Red Bulls have not competed since June 3, when they fell to Orlando City, 3-0.
The club is in the midst of a tight Eastern Conference race, currently sitting in 12th place with 19 points, and three points behind Wednesday’s opponent, 10th-place Charlotte FC.
The Reds Bulls have eight matches between now and the end of July - meaning Wednesday is the start of an opportunistic time for New York to make some noise.
With the squad having had over two weeks to rest and recharge, will New York be able to kick things into high gear and shake up the standings?
A Tale of Two Sides
New York and Charlotte have distinctly different stories in terms of scoring this season. Â The Red Bulls are last in the league with only 11 goals, while The Crown has more than doubled that total, finding the back of the net 25 times.
However, Charlotte has conceded a league-high 33 goals, which has been the club’s Achillies heal in 2023, with five of its eight losses coming by at least two scores.
On the other hand, the Red Bulls are tied for the third-fewest goals allowed, allowing opponents to net only 16 goals against them.
With both clubs finding their own scoring successes and struggles this season, Wednesday night is shaping up to be a race of who can take advantage of its opponent’s weakness first.
Call of (International) Duty
With FIFA’s international window in full swing from June 12 to June 20, and the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup taking place immediately after, both sides have players who have been called up for international play.
For Charlotte, leading scorer Karol Swiderski will be playing for Poland’s Men’s National Team in its two friendlies. Defender Bill Tuiloma will also be playing for New Zealand during the window.
For New York, a number of key players have been named to their national teams’ rosters.
Cory Burke and Cristian Cásseres, Jr. have been called up to represent Jamaica and Venezuela, respectively, in two international friendlies during the window. Cásseres has returned to Red Bulls training before Wednesday's match, but potential load management could come in to play.
John Tolkin was also named to the United States Men’s National Team roster ahead of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will begin play on June 24th.
While the international call-ups can attest to the talent on both Charlotte and New York’s sides, the added travel, wear, and potential absence of these essential players will be sure to impact Wednesday’s match.
