Potential belter in the New York derby
MLS 2020 got back underway on Thursday with FC Dallas and Nashville catching up with the rest of the pack. There cannot be many better ways to return to action than a New York derby with the Red Bulls taking on New York City FC in the Eastern Conference. With MLS is Back tournament group stage games counting in the standings NYCFC are down in 13th with just three points from five outings, a poor early return given they finished at the summit of the Conference in 2019. The Red Bulls too made the playoffs in 2019, however did look inferior to their local rivals. Both sides will be desperate to get off to the perfect start in this encounter.
2019 fortunes
The two clubs traded 2-1 scorelines last term, both earning the victory at home. Team top scorers Daniel Royer and Heber equated to two of the three goals scored in those fixtures. The Red Bulls got knocked out in the last 16 round of the playoffs, going down 4-3 to the Philadelphia Union.
Chris Armas’ men led the MLS is Back semifinalists 2-0 and 3-1 in the first half before capitulating spectacularly to defeat in extra time. It was the final match for the side for former talisman striker Bradley Wright-Phillips who is enjoying pastures new with Los Angeles FC. The son of ex-Arsenal and England marksman Ian Wright leaves big shoes to fill having scored a whopping 126 goals in seven campaigns.
NYCFC also fell at their first playoffs hurdle, losing out in the quarterfinals after receiving a bye in the first round for finishing top of the Eastern Conference. They lost to eventual finalists Toronto FC 2-1, a double blow from Alejandro Pozuelo was their downfall after Libya international Ismael Tajouri had got them back on level terms. Much fancied to qualify for the latter stages again, the Pigeons will be fired up for this derby.
One to watch
21-year-old Argentinian forward Valentin Castellanos is exciting player to monitor in this fixture. Having previously played in Chile and Uruguay Castellanos made the permanent switch to NYCFC and MLS in early 2019 after an initial loan spell. He played an instrumental role in the side’s Eastern Conference topping with 11 goals and eight assists in 30 outings, displaying the signs of a creative player up there with the best in the competition. Part of a youthful attacking contingent including the in-form Jesus Medina of Paraguay who notched in each of his last two, the Pigeons can hurt the Red Bulls and need to if they are to climb the table.
This is a really exciting resumption to the MLS season and expect a fiery encounter.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
The Red Bulls dominated on home soil and got themselves a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win.