Leagues Cup play: RBNY vs Union lose in scoreless draw
New York, August 9, 2023 (Leagues Cup) — Energy Drink soccer debut the Red Bulls with 26 points, they sit in 11th in the East, just four points back of D.C. United for the final playoff spot.
The Red Bulls are yet to lose in Leagues Cup play, winning a shootout after a scoreless draw with the Revolution before picking up a 2-1 win against San Luis to win their group. In the Round of 32, a first-half penalty converted by Omir Fernandez was enough to earn a victory against Hudson River rival New York City FC.
Former Union man Carlos Coronel will start in goal, while familiar foes like John Tolkin, Frankie Amaya, and Tom Barlow dot the Red Bulls’ lineup. Another Union alum, Cory Burke, did not make the matchday roster for the last Leagues Cup match; his status is unknown.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
It wasn’t pretty, but Philadelphia did enough to ease past D.C. United on Thursday night in a penalty shootout. Olivier Mbaizo converted the winning penalty after a dreary 0-0 result in regulation that might have slightly flattered the lackluster Union.
Ball control is not the name of the game when the Union and Red Bulls play each other. Will Union manager Jim Curtin opt to match New York’s vertical play with his own 4-4-2, or stick with the 3-5-2 that he’s used for the last two matches? Will Jesus Bueno keep his place in midfield, or might this be a good opportunity for Jack McGlynn to get a start? The Union’s youngster had one of the best games of his brief professional career last season away against the Red Bulls.
New attacker Tai Baribo has been in full training with the Union over the last few days, and is in contention to make his first appearance with his new side.
Match-up to watch: Olivier Mbaizo or Nathan Harriel vs. John Tolkin
Tolkin, the interestingly coiffed 21-year-old left back, is one of New York’s more dynamic players, making his first three appearances for the U.S. men’s national team this year. Whether Curtin opts for Mbaizo or Harriel to match him on the right, they’ll be expected to keep the danger to a minimum.
Player to watch: Tai Baribo
New signings are fun! Someone like Baribo, who’s not a household name, is a mystery box. Who knows what he could be for the Union? If the Union need to chase the game late, will the new boy have a chance to make a memorable debut.
Prediction: Philadelphia 1-0 New York Red Bulls
This has all the makings of a weird one. A Monday night match, not much crowd expected, storms in the forecast. But I expect the Union’s run of dominance against their I-95 rivals to continue, maybe through a Dante Vanzeir own goal.
