CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The New York Red Bulls (11-10-6) return to the pitch Sunday on the road to face a redhot Charlotte FC (14-11-2) side. The Red Bulls previously defeated Charlotte on May 28 at home by a score of 4-2.
It was a night full of celebration on August 16 as New York finally conquered their rivals in the Philadelphia Union after six long years. Now with that win in the rearview, the Red Bulls’ focus now turns to the “Queen City” and gaining another three points. That might be a difficult challenge for New York and the facts back it up.
Just like New York, Charlotte has proven to be indestructible on their home turf of Bank of America Stadium this season. With a home record 10-2-1 and a roaring home environment, the Charlotte supporters will make it difficult for the visiting New York side. Add on a brutal 1-8-4 away record for New York and things don’t look pretty for the visiting side on Sunday.
The positives don’t stop for Charlotte as their recent form has been incredible for them. “The Crown” have been unbeaten in seven straight MLS matches and have bolstered three straight shutouts in all competitions. Much of that great defensive play can be credited to goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who leads the league in saves with 98.
But when people tune in to watch Charlotte, their focus is on the former Crystal Palace forward, Wilfried Zaha. On loan from Turkish side Galatasary, Zaha has done fine for Charlotte following a slow start to the year. With 16 goal contributions in MLS play, Zaha is someone the Red Bulls will be eyeing to stop on Sunday.
Luckily for New York, Charlotte’s leading goal contributor, midfielder Pep Biel, remains out with a hamstring injury. Biel had been having an outstanding campaign with 22 goal contributions in 24 matches this campaign.
Returning to the Red Bulls for a minute, New York cannot afford to drop points in a contest such as this one. Regardless of their dismal form away from Sports Illustrated Stadium, they have to attack while riding the momentum of their last contest. If they can beat an outstanding club like Philadelphia, they can defeat a playoff hopeful in Charlotte.
As usual, captain Emil Forsberg and forward Eric Choupo-Moting will be massive for New York and that’s a no-brainer. With each player possessing 18 goal contributions this season, New York is a well-oiled machine when they’re both clicking. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel will also have to play an important role again on Sunday after he heroically prevented a penalty goal last Saturday.
Another win would definitely brighten the spirits of a fanbase begging for success late in the season. Fans across social media have been disappointed with the organization in recent weeks, especially after a rather lackluster transfer window that just transpired.
One question on the mind of New York fans will be if new midfielder Gustav Berggren finally makes his debut in the MLS. After a long process of obtaining his visa, it might finally be the moment the Swedish midfielder makes his debut with the club. Fans shall wait and see.
Kickoff for Sunday night’s match will be at 7 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
