After seven matches, the New York Red Bulls remain as MLS’ lone unbeaten team. On Saturday, May 2, the Red Bulls travel to Foxborough to face New England Revolution for the first time since last year’s Eastern Conference Final. In the second leg at New England, the Revolution eliminated New York from the MLS Cup Playoffs, 4-3 on aggregate.
Coverage of the match between New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution on Saturday, May 2 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., will begin at 7:30 p.m. EDT (TV: MSG; RADIO: RBNY English Internet Radio). There is no Spanish internet radio available this weekend against New England, but the Spanish broadcast will be available for the following match against New York City FC.
Here are some important statistics and a look ahead to the Red Bulls’ Saturday night match against New England Revolution.
New York Red Bulls
- Record: 3-0-4, 13 points; third place in Eastern Conference
- Previous Match: RBNY draw, 1-1 vs. Colorado Rapids
- Record in Last Five Matches: 2-0-3
- Leading Goal Scorer: Lloyd Sam/Bradley Wright-Phillips (3)
- Assist Leader: Felipe/Bradley Wright-Phillips (3)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (21)
New England Revolution
- Record: 4-2-2, 14 points, first place in Eastern Conference
- Previous Match: NE win, 4-0 vs. Real Salt Lake
- Record in Last Five Matches: 4-0-1
- Leading Goal Scorer: Juan Agudelo/Charlie Davies/Kelyn Rowe (2)
- Assist Leader: Kelyn Rowe (2)
- Saves Leader: Bobby Shuttlesworth (21)
All-Time Regular Season Series
New England lead series, 26-22-15
On June 8, 2014, New York defeated New England 2-0 which ended a 17-match winless streak at Gillette Stadium
New York won both regular season meetings against New England in 2014, the only time they have ever swept the season series in the 19 years the teams have played
Tactics
Jay Heaps’ New England Revolution line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. In their two recent matches, Charlie Davies has been the lone striker with Lee Nguyen playing in deep behind him. Defensively, the Revolution have been among the best in MLS. The team has allowed only seven goals in eight games including only one in their last three. The return of Jermaine Jones has helped with his new role as a member of the back line. Left back Chris Tierney has shined as one of the best fullbacks in MLS this season, defending the left side effectively and transitioning into attack. Tierney provided the game-winning assist against San Jose Earthquakes and scored the first goal last week against Real Salt Lake in a 4-0 rout. Jesse Marsch’s side must limit turnovers in the final third against New England to avoid giving up dangerous transition opportunities. The Red Bulls’ high-press must find a way to disrupt a defense that has seldom made mistakes and conceded this season.
Who to Watch
New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips found his way onto the scoresheet in the mid-week clash against Colorado Rapids via penalty kick. The goal was important, turning out to be the lone tally for RBNY in a 1-1 mid-week draw. With three goals and three assists on the season, the designated player has been statistically the most productive outfield player for the club in its seven matches. Wright-Phillips has found the back of the net twice against the Revolution in his last two encounters with the club, including MLS Cup playoffs. He will again be a crucial piece to the puzzle for the Red Bulls this weekend against a red-hot Revs squad that has won four of its last five matches.
For New England Revolution, the player to watch is former Red Bulls forward, Juan Agudelo. In recent matches, the 22-year-old has been utilized as a left midfielder based on his ability to create opportunities for teammates and attract attention from defenders. Last week against Real Salt Lake, Agudelo provided his first assist of the season and tallied a goal of his own. His impeccable ball control and finishing touch also allows him to score spectacular goals (see goal vs. Colorado Rapids). The Red Bulls defense will need to keep him close to the touchline and limit his opportunities to cut inside where he can create chances for himself and teammates.
