The New York Red Bulls (0-1-1, 1 pts.) head North to battle Minnesota United FC (1-0-0, 3 pts.) on Saturday, March 11 at Allianz Field. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV MLS Season pass and New York Red Bulls Radio in English via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app, and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
How They’re Doing
Minnesota had a bye week in MLS Matchweek 2, but got their season off to a perfect start with a clean sheet victory on the road against FC Dallas.
The win came without star player Emmanuel Reynoso, who was suspended by MLS for failing to show up for preseason training camp.
MLS pundits didn’t show too much confidence in Minnesota heading into the season, but the win in the opener has energized the Loons fanbase heading into the home opener against New York.
Head-to-head
New York and Minnesota have only met four times since the Loons joined MLS in 2017. The most recent meeting came at Red Bull Arena, where Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made eight saves in a 1-0 victory.
The Red Bulls haven’t made the trip to Minnesota since 2017, but their lone trip resulted in a 3-0 New York victory.
This will, however, be the first trip to Allianz Field for New York.
The two teams met in the Coachella Valley Invitational in February, where a Luquinhas goal sealed a 1-0 victory for New York.
Player to Watch- Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair
Almost singlehandedly securing Minnesota the victory last time these two clubs met, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair will look to put on another stellar performance against the Red Bulls on Saturday.
St. Clair had a breakout season in his first full year starting for Minnesota. His performances earned him a spot on Canada’s World Cup roster in Qatar.
The Canadian was in early discussions for 2022 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, but his performance against New York was only one of five clean sheets he would register in 33 total appearances.
He registered his first clean sheet of 2023 in Minnesota’s 1-0 victory over FC Dallas to start the season, and will look to make it two in two when New York comes to town.
