The New York Red Bulls stand as the final unbeaten team in MLS through five matches and aim to make it six when the Red Bulls host LA Galaxy on Sunday, April 26. This will be the only MLS regular season competition between the sides in 2015. In the clubs’ last outing on September 2014 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., the Galaxy comfortably defeated RBNY, 4-0.
Sunday night at Red Bull Arena is Wings for Life night! In partnership with Team LeGrand and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, we are shining a light on spinal cord injuries. For fans who use the promo code RBWFL, $3 from every ticket purchased will go directly to the Wings for Life Foundation. To purchase tickets on behalf of Wings for Life and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, click here and apply the promo code.
Coverage of the match between the New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday, April 26 at Red Bull Arena will begin at 5 p.m. ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; RADIO:RBNY English/Spanish Internet Radio). For travel tips and further directions on how to get to the game, check out the Red Bull Arena Transportation HUB.
New York Red Bulls
- Record: 3-0-2, 11 points; first place in Eastern Conference (as of April 24, 2015)
- Previous Match: RBNY win,2-0 vs. San Jose Earthquakes
- Last Five Results (opponent in parenthesis): Draw (@SKC), Win (DC), Win (@CLB), Draw (@DC), Win (SJ)
- Leading Goal Scorer: Lloyd Sam (3)
- Assist Leader: Felipe/Bradley Wright-Phillips (3)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (18)
LA Galaxy
- Record: 3-2-2, 11 points; third place in Western Conference (as of April 24, 2015)
- Previous Match: LA win, 2-1 vs. Sporting Kansas City
- Last Five Results (opponent in parenthesis): Draw (HOU), Loss (@DC), Loss (@VAN), Win (SEA), Win (SKC)
- Leading Goal Scorer: Alan Gordon/Robbie Keane (2)
- Assist Leader: Omar Gonzalez/Juninho/Jose Villarreal (2)
- Saves Leader: Jaime Penedo (20)
- All-Time Regular Season Series
Red Bulls lead series, 18-16-6
Red Bulls lead series at Giants Stadium/Red Bull Arena, 12-7-2
Red Bulls lead series at Red Bull Arena, 2-1-0
Tactics
The LA Galaxy have been bitten by the injury bug. With forwards Gyasi Zardes, Robbie Keane and Jose Villareal in and out of the lineup, head coach Bruce Arena has adjusted his usual 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 with Alan Gordon up top. It’s not often that Arena uses a lone striker, but the defending MLS Cup champions have been successful since the change winning its last two matches with the formation. Despite a 0-2-1 road record in 2015, the Galaxy’s notably strong defense will be a tough case to crack for the high scoring Red Bulls. Jesse Marsch and the Red Bulls’ high pressure style will face its greatest challenge yet against an experienced coach in Arena, who’s sure to have his side ready for action on matchday.
Who to Watch
Bradley Wright-Phillips’ game has evolved. He’s been a jack of all trades for New York Red Bulls, scoring and creating chances for teammates. Through five matches, Wright-Phillips has recorded three assists: one more assist than he totaled all of last season (2). Not only has he created goal scoring opportunities for teammates, but he’s come through when it counts. He’s already provided two game-winning assists and one game-winning goal. In the scoring department, his two goals is double the amount he totaled through five matches last season. In 2014, he didn’t score his second goal until the seventh game of the season, in which he scored a hat-trick.
According to reports by LA Galaxy Insider and MLSsoccer.com, Robbie Keane is doubtful and highly unlikely to appear in Sunday’s match. With the reigning MLS MVP absent, Alan Gordon is expected to make another start at forward. Gordon, the Galaxy’s man to watch, known for clutch late goals and game-winners. Gordon’s heading ability is among the best in MLS and he consistently finds himself in dangerous areas when it matters most. He’s scored two goals in four games played this season. Also note the goalkeeping matchup between Luis Robles and Jaime Penedo. Robles has posted a joint MLS-low 0.80 goals allowed average and faces a red-hot Penedo who’s been nicknamed, “San Penedo” after his 10 save shutout against Seattle Sounders two weeks ago.
