KEYS TO THE GAME, pres. by Honda: New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City SC

Get to know the matchup in Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:

Homecoming Weekend 

After spending the last week traveling, New York will be back at home at Red Bull Arena to face Orlando City before going on an 18-day break. 

The Red Bulls played two matches away in opposite corners of the country – losing 1-0 to the Sounders in Seattle and recording a 1-0 shutout victory in Miami. 

After playing eight games in May, the team will surely welcome the chance to be at home before taking some time off. But will their recent travels wear on the Red Bulls, or will the atmosphere of their home arena give them the push they need to secure three points?

The Great Return? 

Big names came off the injury list and onto the pitch this week, including midfielder Lewis Morgan who leads the club with 14 career goals. 

Luquinhas, who has made three appearances since his return from the injury list, has been a welcomed force in the Red Bulls’ attacking end, earning himself Man of the Match from Wednesday’s face-off with Miami. 

Defenders Frankie Amaya and Kyle Duncan, who have been out on injury, also made an appearance in Wednesday night’s game, helping to solidify New York’s back line for a clean sheet.

Having most of the squad back together may prove to be the reinforcements the Red Bulls need to get three points on Saturday, but with star players Omir Fernandez and Daniel Edelmen out, for injury and international duty, respectively, the availability of the Red Bulls squad may make the difference against Orlando.

Streak(s) Broken? 

For Orlando City, streaks are at stake heading into Saturday’s matchup with New York. The Lions are riding a four-game unbeaten streak, along with a three-game win streak over the Red Bulls.  

In its last four games, Orlando City has claimed three draws and one victory, last falling on May 9 to Charlotte FC. The Lions also downed the Red Bulls in the clubs’ last three contests, not losing to New York since April of last year.

The Red Bulls will look to end both of those streaks on Saturday night following a midweek shutout of Inter Miami CF that put the club back in the win column after dropping two-straight matches.