The Red Bulls will try to keep the momentum going against one of the most dangerous teams in the Major League Soccer
The New York Red Bulls are set to face off against FC Cincinnati this Sunday (29) at TQL Stadium at 8PM (Apple TV, FS1 and FOX Deportes). This encounter marks the start of a best-of-three series, where the first team to secure two victories will advance to the next round of the MLS Playoffs.
The Red Bulls earned their ticket to face Cincinnati following a commanding midweek performance against Charlotte FC, triumphing with a resounding 5-2 scoreline with a hat trick scored by the striker Elias Manoel. Tom Barlow and John Tolkin also found the back of Charlotte’s net while Tolkin had an assist. This impressive display showcased the team’s offensive prowess and signaled their readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati, having clinched the top spot in the regular season, enjoyed a week of rest and preparation. Their exceptional performance throughout the seasonearned them their first Supporter’s Shield of the club’s history establishing them as the team to beat, setting the stage for the showdown against the Red Bulls.
In a recent press conference, Red Bulls’ head coach Troy Lesesne provided insight into the team’s current physical state.
“Right now we’re still reevaluating everyone coming off the match the other day and training. So, you know, I can’t say for sure that everyone’s going to be fit and available, but we hope so. We hope that we’re going to get there with everyone by the time Sunday rolls around. Nothing major, but a couple of guys are a little bit banged up and want to make sure that they get recovered and receive the right physical treatment”, said Lesesne.
Ready to defy odds against Cincinnati
In a statement of confidence, New York Red Bulls’ attacking midfielder Omir Fernandez has declared that his team will step onto the field in Ohio with determination, despite being labeled heavy underdogs against FC Cincinnati. This assertion comes on the heels of a recent MLS poll which indicated that a mere 8% of league fans are predicting a Red Bulls win over Cincinnati, a team that eliminated New York from last year’s playoffs.
“If you asked our locker to give you a poll of that same it would say 100% Red Bull 0% Cincinnati. Maybe the guys will see it and maybe I’ll see it here and there but for us it doesn’t matter. Honestly it really doesn’t matter, we’re not going to play scared or we’re going to be frightened because you known the fans or you known the commentators think that 8% Red Bulls is going to come out on top. For us we known what we have to do, we are super ready for that and if anything it adds more fire to us when the results go our way we’re going to see that and be laughing”, said Fernandez.
(Cover: X/Elias Manoel)
