The round of 32 draw of the US Open Cup has given birth to a New York Derby, as the NY Red Bulls will play host to NYCFC on Wednesday. The two rivals have already met in this venue about a month ago for the MLS, where the Red Bulls destroyed NYCFC. They will be looking to repeat the success, but NYCFC will be looking for revenge.
The New York Red Bulls suffered a really frustrating loss on the road against New England over the weekend. They actually took an early lead at the 8th minute of that match, but their opponents pulled even right before the half-time whistle, and eventually overturned the result at the 78th for the final 1-2. That loss came to put an end to the Red Bulls’ five-match undefeated streak (4-0-1), while they have kept just two clean sheets in that span. They are now sitting at the 4th spot of the Eastern Conference with 22 points, five points behind NYCFC who have played two more matches. The Red Bulls have been great at home so far (4-1-1), where they have kept four clean sheets.
NYCFC are coming off a really strong performance at home against Orlando City, whom they blasted by 0-3. It wasn’t a very easy match though, as Orlando City missed a penalty kick that would have tied the match. NYCFC have not been in the best of forms over the past three weeks, having won just three oft heir eight matches in that span (3-3-2). Even so, they are still clinging on to the 2nd spot of the Eastern Conference with 27 points (8-3-3), just two behind Conference leaders Atlanta United. They have been quite mediocre on the road so far (2-3-3), where they have conceded multiple goals in six while keeping just a single clean sheet.
