This Saturday the New York Red Bulls host Chicago Fire FC at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m ET.
Here are the Keys to the Game, presented by TriHonda Dealers:
Opportunity to Head into Break on a High Note
Although the Red Bulls couldn’t play the New York Derby this past weekend due to weather, they’ll host Chicago after winning their last home game against Columbus 1-0.
After the game against Chicago, the Red Bulls aren’t scheduled to play until September 11 when they host rivals D.C. United.
New York’s best performances have happened at Red Bull Arena and capturing a second win in a row will set Gerhard Struber’s men in a great spot heading after the break.
The Red Bulls have recorded 199 MLS regular-season clean sheets in franchise history, which puts them in sole possession of fifth place in league history.
So far this season, the Red Bulls have scored five goals outside the 18, thanks to Wiki Carmona (1), Kyle Duncan (1), Cristian Cásseres Jr. (2) and Frankie Amaya (1). All of these goals were scored at Red Bull Arena, except for Cásseres Jr.’s golazo at Orlando.
Max Focus
In their last meeting against Chicago, New York conceded two goals within the first ten minutes of play.
This type of collapse can’t happen again, especially at RBA where New York have five wins this season.
Against Columbus, led by a stellar Carlos Coronel performance, the Red Bulls managed to control the 1-0 lead throughout the 90 minutes.
What Struber expects against Chicago is to see an evolution from that positive Columbus victory.
Chicago Are Winless Away from Soldier Field
Chicago are winless away from Soldier Field and still have four away games to play before heading back home, including the visit to Harrison.
After a four-game homestand where they won two and drew two, the Fire have lost their last two away games -- 3-2 vs. Inter Miami CF and 1-0 vs. Orlando City.
After two meetings between Chicago and New York, each club has one win apiece, however Chicago’s poor away form is something the Red Bulls should capitalize on.
In away games this season, the Fire have a goal differential of -13.
