The New York Red Bulls face an elimination game Wednesday when they face CD FAS for the second and final time in CONCACAF Champions League play.
In their first match on August 24, the Red Bulls (1-1-0) eliminated FAS (0-3-0) with a 2-0 victory at Red Bull Arena. The home-side had created many opportunities to score, but FAS managed to stay in the match until Lloyd Sam’s put-away goal in the 70th minute.
On September 24, FAS is set to host their final Champions League match of 2014 at the Estadio Cuscatian in San Salvador, El Salvador.
FAS is currently in ninth place of the Primera Division Table with six points from nine matches. “Los Tigres” are also under new management. Following Efrain Burgos resignation as manager of FAS, new head coach Agustin Castillo is a familiar face in Santa Ana. This year marks the beginning of his third campaign for FAS in his managerial career. In his prior terms with the El Salvador side, from 2001-2005 and in 2011, he guided the club to a total five titles, respectively.
FAS is also set to be without their team-leading goal scorer Jonathan Aguila, who fractured his fibula in their last match against Santa Tecla. Out for at least six weeks, FAS’s danger man was returning from a two goal performance prior to the injury.
New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke on home victory vs. FAS
- “I know they had players that didn’t travel with them, their coach didn’t even get into the country so I don’t take much from that. I take that we get a good victory, 2-0. Having said that I don’t expect the same kind of team. I expect a better team, and it’s on us to be up for that game.”
The Red Bulls enter the match coming off a vital 4-1 winover Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders, and have gone unbeaten in their last four MLS matches.
For New York, the mid-week matchup will be their second Champions League match in a week. Despite losing 1-0 in Montreal, the Red Bulls still control their own destiny and can advance by winning their two remaining Champions League fixtures. NYRB’s fourth and final CONCACAF match will be held on October 22 at Red Bull Arena against group leaders Montreal Impact (3-0-0).
Wednesday’s match in San Salvador will kick off at 10:00 p.m. (TV: FOX Soccer Plus).
