The New York Red Bulls (3-2-2, 11 pts.) travel to Exploria Stadium to take on Orlando City (4-2-2, 14 pts.) on Sunday, April 24. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
Get to know who the Red Bulls will be playing in their upcoming U.S. Open Cup matchup:
How they’re doing
Hartford Athletic has had a rough start to the 2022 USL Championship season. Through five matches, Hartford are winless and sit at the bottom of USL’s Eastern Conference standings with only one point.
In the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, Hartford picked up their first cup victory in club history when they beat Oyster Bay United FC 3-1 on April 7. The three goals scored in that victory was the first time Hartford had scored more than once in the 2022 season.
The defense has been a sore point for Hartford in 2022. In their six league and USOC matches to start the season, they have yet to record a clean sheet.
On the offensive side of the ball, Hartford since towards the bottom of the league rankings with only four goals scored.
Head-to-Head History
New York and Hartford have not played each other since the USL club was formed in 2018.
Hartford does have a 6-1-3 record against fellow USL competitor Red Bulls II, though.
Who to Watch: Midfielder Andre Lewis
Lewis, a Jamaican international, was drafted 7th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
After 13 appearances with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, along with stints with Charleston Battery and Portland Timbers 2, In 2019, he returned to his first club, Portmore United, and helped them win the Jamaica National Premier League.
He signed with Switchbacks FC before the 2020 season and over two seasons, played 2,552 minutes in 40 matches. During his time with the club, he scored six goals and recorded five assists.
Lewis signed with Hartford in January, and has been one of the main contributors so far this season. Through five appearances, he leads the team with 11 chances created. He has also added an assist and three shots on target.
The midfielder can also get it done on the defensive side of the ball, leading the team with 12 tackles and 35 duels won. He is also second in the team with 9 interceptions.
Whether the Red Bulls are on the attack or defending against Hartford, Lewis will be one to watch.
