This Saturday the New York Red Bulls host NYCFC at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m ET.
Here are the Keys to the Game, presented by TriHonda Dealers:
Build New Winning Streak
Defeating Columbus Crew couldn’t have come at a better moment for the Red Bulls, who were searching for a win since July 3rd.
Against the Crew, John Tolkin grabbed his first MLS goal and helped RBNY get a 1-0 win.
Wednesday’s win was the Red Bulls fifth home win of the season, and with three home games ahead, things are starting to look brighter for Gerhard Struber’s men.
After the game, goalkeeper Carlos Coronel shared his thoughts on the performance against the Crew.
“We have been playing pretty well, but we just weren’t getting the results,” said Coronel. “Now we have four games at home, and I think playing in our stadium with our fans, we’ll give a great game [against NYCFC]. We have everything to change our situation."
Maintain Defensive Solidness
Heading into Saturday’s match, the Red Bulls haven’t conceded a goal at Red Bull Arena since July 31st when they conceded three against league leaders New England Revolution.
Coronel and New York’s defense have won two clean sheets in their recent home games against FC Cincy and Columbus.
With the return of Andrés Reyes and Tom Edwards, who missed the game against the Crew due to yellow card accumulation, Struber will have plenty of options to build his defensive backline for Saturday’s Derby.
NYCFC Haven’t Won an Away Game since May 29
This season NYCFC have struggled away from home with a 2-4-2 record and no away wins since May 29 when they defeated LAFC 1-2.
Their recent three away results include a 1-0 defeat to Philly, and draws against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire FC.
Currently NYCFC sits third place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points.
