The New York Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena to host Chicago Fire FC this Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m ET.
Here are the Keys to the Game, presented by TriHonda Dealers:
Build from Improvements Shown in Second Half at LA
After their hard 3-2 loss against LA Galaxy last weekend, RBNY will look to build on the positives it showcased in the second half. The Red Bulls almost tied things up in the final part of a match that left more than one soccer fan glued to their TV.
“I think that we came out of the second half with good energy and that you see the difference that can make for us in games,” said Captain Sean Davis. “Where we can keep teams off balance and find different looks and throw off their game plan, and that’s what you saw in the second half.
“We have to continue to, regardless of what formation we’re in, just have to defend as a team better, and that’s the bottom line. We could talk formations, and we can talk tactics all we want, but it just comes down to doing the job at the end of the day, regardless of formation. That’s my biggest takeaway, yes we can be flexible with our tactical outlook, but at the end of the day, the game is won and lost in the boxes.”
In LA, New York took 14 shots, six of them on target.
Cásseres Jr, Clark With Goals After First Two Games
Both of New York’s most attacking midfielders to start the new season, Caden Clark and Cristian Cásseres Jr., have already scored one goal apiece.
Just as he did last season, Cásseres Jr. netted his first goal of the season in Matchday 2. Last season he scored against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium, and this time around at Dignity Health Sports Park.
In LA, the Venezuelan midfielder reached six career MLS regular-season goals. Cásseres Jr, 21, and Clark, 17, will continue to be key in the team’s creation of dangerous plays.
Keep an Eye on Luka Stojanović
After two matches played, Luka Stojanović has scored two goals for the Fire.
Alongside Álvaro Medrán and Gastón Giménez, Head Coach Rapahel Wicky has a midfield trio that can complicate things to any opponent.
After two matches played, the Fire have accrued one loss and one draw.
