FRISCO — FC Dallas is coming off a heart-breaking loss at the hands of Sporting Kansas City, and its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey is over. Yet, FCD is still on a seven-game unbeaten run in MLS play when it travels to New York this weekend to take on the Red Bulls. This will be the first matchup between the two sides this season, who both currently sit in the top four of their conference standings.
Sharing is Caring
New York currently leads the league in team assists with 26 on the season. Four players currently have five or more assists, including midfielder Alejandro Romero Gamarra, who has totaled nine on the year. On top of his 10 goals this season, Bradley Wright-Phillips has five assists, and it shows how the Red Bulls like to facilitate the ball to different players in the final third of the pitch. FC Dallas sits in seventh place in team assists this season, and its midfield will have its hands busy this weekend trying to corral New York’s center of the formation.
Strength at Home
New York is 8-2-4 overall in MLS play this season and is also 5-1-1 at its home field, Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls haven’t lost a home match since April 21 when they fell to the Chicago Fire 2-1. FC Dallas is coming off a tough road loss to Sporting KC and will have another test in a road environment once again.
Key Matchups
Maxi Urruti vs. Aaron Long — Urruti hasn’t scored since May 25 at Toronto and is on a three-game scoring drought in MLS play. FC Dallas will need him to be at his best this weekend because of New York’s strength at home. Aaron Long, All-Star nominee, and the rest of the backline will have their hands full with Urruti, and the matchup could decide the game is it is a low-scoring affair.
Matt Hedges vs. Bradley Wright-Phillips — All eyes will be at the top of the attack for New York this weekend, as they always are. Wright-Phillips has scored twice in his last two games entering this contest, and Hedges will have the task of limiting the Englishman in order to earn all three points. Seven of Wright-Phillips’ 10 goals have come at Red Bull Arena this season.
Projected Starting XI
New York Red Bulls (4-2-3-1): Robles; Lawrence, Long, Parker, Lade; Adams, Davis, Royer, Valot, Muyl; Wright-Phillips
Keys To Three Points
FC Dallas is coming off a tough loss in Open Cup play but still sit nicely in MLS. Tied for first place in the Western Conference, FCD has played well as of late. Wright-Phillips will be the main cause for concern on Saturday, but FCD has done a good job of containing stars in the past. Jumping out to a quick lead on the road is always an objective for teams, but holding the lead and securing it in the final minutes will be crucial for Dallas on the defensive side of the ball.
