The first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Regardless of the result, the second leg is set to be held next Saturday afternoon at RFK Stadium.
November 2 marks the fourth time the bitter rivals will meet this year, with a fifth and final matchup set for next Saturday. Sunday’s match will mark the third game in eight days for the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls lost the season series to D.C. with a 1-2-0 record, but New York won the last and only meeting 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. The match featured a D.C. United red card, and the Red Bulls dramatically earned the three points thanks to a Lloyd Sam 90th minute goal.
The Red Bulls look to carry momentum from Thursday night’s exciting Knockout round win against the defending champion Sporting KC 2-1, in which Bradley Wright-Phillips scored two goals. No injuries were sustained in the victory and Mike Petke is expected to have a fully healthy squad to select from.
New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke on his team dealing with short rest from Thursday to Sunday:
“Mentally they were very upbeat and very excited about Sunday. There was no talk or complaining that we have to play so quick or anything like that. I think over the last two years you could argue that our schedule has been tough in many stretches, so perhaps they are a little bit used to it, but at the end of the day, we know the task that we have ahead of us – doesn’t matter if we have two days rest or seven days rest – it doesn’t so much change the way we’re going to approach this game. What’s going to change is perhaps making sure that the people that I’m going to put out there are 100 percent physically ready and if not then I’ll have to make an adjustment.”
Despite losing the season series to D.C., one positive trend for New York was that they outshot D.C. in each of their three matches. The Red Bulls combined for 56 total shots, while D.C. totaled 26 shots. If the trend continues, New York will need to be more clinical in front of goal in order defeat the Eastern Conference champions.
In terms of format, MLS will be debuting the new away goal rule where if the teams are tied in total goals scored after two games, the team that has scored more goals away from home will advance.
New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke on the new away goals rule:
“I think it’s good. I think it’s good because it definitely brings out a bit more attacking soccer, that when you’re on the road, perhaps you want to get out and get that goal or one or two goals and that way going home you have those two away goals, so I think it is a good thing. It’s definitely torn from the pages of European soccer.”
D.C. United enters the MLS Cup Playoffs with the top seed in the Eastern Conference and ended the season unbeaten in their last five matches.
Fabian Espindola has been D.C.’s danger-man this year, scoring 11 goals and leading the team in assists with nine. Luis Silva, also with 11 goals this season, has been an asset to D.C.’s successful season, but may miss out on Sunday’s match with a hamstring injury. If he’s unable to play, expect U.S. international Eddie Johnson to step in and take his place.
The first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 2 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. will begin at 4:00 p.m. ET (TV: MSG). For tips and directions on how to get to the game, check out the Red Bull Arena Transportation HUB.
