East Coast battle as U's host New York Red Bulls
The MLS is in full swing and Monday night sees an East coast battle between the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls. Can the host build on their positive start? Have a read of our preview here:
Union showing promise early on
The Union will be very happy with how they have opened the MLS campaign. Defeat on the first day to FC Dallas now seems like a distant memory.
The team have suffered only two defeats in the first nine games of the season, accumulating 15 points during that time.
Jim Curtin has made his outfit hard to beat and in the MLS, that can be good enough to see you have an excellent season.
No one will be getting carried away after all, one swallow does not a summer make, but if you told him his side would be heading into their tenth game on the back of just two losses, he would bite your hand off, and maybe even take your wrist too.
A few players have stood out in the early exchanges. Cape Verde international Jamiro Monterio has created almost a chance every game while Sergio Santos has already bagged a couple of goals.
There could be a lot more to come from the U, but being solid is a great place to start.
The Metro need to hit the accelerator
Chris Armas has seen his Red Bulls play just five games so far this season, so it is fair to say it’s too early to judge them.
They were unbeaten in the first three games of the season, but back-to-back 2-0 defeats to Columbus Crew and Cincinnati damped the high spirits.
How then to pick yourself up. Well, how about a derby win against your city rivals. That’s exactly what the Red Bulls got last time out when they defeated New York City FC 1-0 on home soil.
It will give them a welcome boost heading into Monday night and the clean sheet will have been very welcome.
Alejandro Romero remains a key player for the club and the signing of young English midfielder Dru Yearwood is an interesting one. The former Southend youngster has shown great potential and should shine in the US.
This is set to be a close game, let’s hope it doesn't disappoint.
Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls betting tip
The two sides here are closely matched and New York RB have either kept a clean sheet or failed to score in four of their five matches so far this season. With that in mind, we are backing this one to end with under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.3 with Betfair.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
The Union triumph 1-0 over New York RB in a closely fought contest in the East