Red Bull New York return to action looking to turn encouraging performances into results when they face Chicago Fire FC.
New York will have its hands full with veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, who has quickly established himself as a dangerous presence in Major League Soccer (MLS). Head Coach Michael Bradley praised the striker’s quality and experience, while captain Emil Forsberg called him a “world class” forward.
“I think it’s going to be a big challenge for us, for our defense, but an exciting one,” Forsberg said.
The Red Bulls will also need to be more clinical after creating chances against Nashville without getting enough reward. Forsberg said New York must improve both its finishing and defending inside its own box.
“We have to get better at scoring goals,” Forsberg said.
Jorge Ruvalcaba has been one of New York’s most active attackers this season, recording 50 shots, ninth-most in the Eastern Conference. Cade Cowell has recorded 13 direct one-on-ones, tied for ninth-most in MLS.
Defender Julián Bazán has also emerged as a positive for New York. Bradley praised the young defender’s mentality, work ethic and commitment since joining the club, saying his attitude has been “infectious.”
The Red Bulls are 23-33-16 all-time against Chicago and 2-2-1 in their last five meetings. At home, New York is 16-14-15 against the Fire and unbeaten in three of its last four home matchups.
With Lewandowski leading Chicago’s attack and New York looking to turn strong stretches of play into points, the Red Bulls will need to be sharper in both penalty areas to come away with a result.
