Travel Troubles
FC Cincinnati has held strong in its first-place spot in the Supporters’ Shield standings. The Orange and Blue have collected 45 points through 21 games played, the most in the league by seven.
While Cincinnati has been nearly perfect at home, earning 10 wins and one draw at TQL Stadium thus far, it hasn’t been as untouchable on the road, playing to a 3-2-5 away record. In their last three road matches, the Orange and Blue are just 0-1-2.
Cincinnati is coming off a trip to 20th-place Charlotte FC where the clubs played to a 2-2 draw. The match was Cincinnati's eight road contest that was decided by one goal or fewer.
With the Orange and Blue showing flaws when traveling, can the Red Bulls, who are coming off a huge win over New England at home, take advantage of their opponent’s weakness and come away with a victory?
Defensive Duel
Putting the ball in the back of the net will not come easy on Wednesday. New York and Cincinnati have had two of MLS’ best defenses this season, conceding 21 and 23 goals, respectively, the third and fourth fewest in in the league.
The clubs have also consistently kept their matches with one another close, with 10 of the 12 all-time matches being decided by one goal or less.
The Red Bulls will need their offense to continue gaining momentum to take down the Orange and Blue. The club has recorded nine goals in the last four games, largely in part to midfielder Frankie Amaya, who has scored three times in three games during the span. Midfielder Omir Fernandez has also had a hand in multiple goals for New York, recording assists in the team’s last three contests.
Wednesday’s defensive battle will not be easy for anyone, but if the Red Bulls can maintain their strong defensive efforts and heating up offense, they may be able to come out of the night with a win.
Missing Men
Familiar faces will be missing on the pitch for New York on Wednesday.
The Red Bulls will be without defender John Tolkin and forward Corey Burke for the fifth-straight game. Both players have been out for international duty, representing their respective countries at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
New York has found ways to make up for the absence of Tolkin and Burke since they left. While they have been fulfilling their international duties, the club has played to a record of 2-1-1, finding success on both sides of the ball.
The Red Bulls will also be without defender Andrés Reyes due to yellow card accumulation on Wednesday. The Cauca, Colombia native has been a key factor in the club’s defensive success this season, totaling 46 interceptions, the second most in the league.
Reyes has also recorded a 61.4% dual percentage and has completed 73% of his passes.
With Reyes, Tolkin, and Burke missing from the Red Bull’s lineup, New York will need to adapt against a balanced Cincinnati attack who will be looking to take advantage of its opponent’s missing men.
