Following a week off from play, the Red Bulls are set to return to action, as they take on the New England Revolution in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Wednesday at 7:30 PM at Harvard University.
The match will be streamed live on www.newyorkredbulls.com.
The Red Bulls come into Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup match feeling rested and ready to continue their season. After the team's training session Monday, Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke was pleased with his players after he gave them several days off.
“They came back great, their spirits have been great (and) they’ve obviously done their work during the break to stay in shape,” Petke said.
The Red Bulls come into this match-up having defeated Reading United (PDL) 2-0 on May 29 in a third round contest at Red Bull Arena. Lloyd Sam and Fabian Espindola scored second half goals to ensure New York’s passage into the next round. New York’s last match was on June 1 when it completed a three-game regular season homestand with a 2-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, snapping a seven-game MLS unbeaten streak. The Red Bulls are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points and a 7-5-4 record, trailing the first place Montreal Impact by one point.
New England advanced to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup following a 5-1 victory over USL PRO side, the Rochester Rhinos on May 28 on the road. Four different Revs found the back of the net, with Kelyn Rowe scoring twice.
Despite New York having recent success against New England, going 1-0-1 in 2013 MLS regular season play versus the Revolution, Petke said that he expect a dangerous test on Wednesday.
“They have a new confidence, they are playing well, and I think that (head coach) Jay (Heaps) has them playing some really good soccer right now,” he said. “They have good players, quality players and it’s clicking for them now and it’s going to be a very tough game.”
New England has gone 3-0-1 in MLS action since their last meeting with the Red Bulls on May 11, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. This run has included a 5-0 win over the defending MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy on June 2 at Gillette Stadium. Petke is aware of New England’s form and dismisses New York’s recent history against its Eastern Conference opponent.
“This is a new team from the one we played the last two times and we’ve been watching them. I’m impressed with the way they’re playing. The addition of Juan Agudelo has been great for them, (Diego) Fagundez is playing very well, so were expecting a very difficult game,” he said.
