The New York Red Bulls have won the Supporters’ Shield for the second time in their history, but they’ll have to go through their long-time rivals to capture the biggest trophy in MLS, and one they’ve never won. On Sunday, they kick off their conference semifinal series away to D.C. United.
D.C. United vs. Red Bulls: Preview, Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
New York Red Bulls got the better of D.C. United in all of their matches this season, and the Supporters’ Shield chances will like their chances of doing it again in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
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Red Bulls had a huge October, winning all of their games, including three against fellow playoff teams. In a game they had to win to capture the Shield last week, they took care of business against the Chicago Fire, scoring twice in the first 35 minutes before holding on for a 2-1 win.
D.C. had a chance to clinch a bye on the last day of the regular season, but got absolutely obliterated by the team that did end up finishing second in the East, the Columbus Crew. That meant they had to play a first round game mid-week, where they pulled off a comeback in somewhat controversial fashion against the New England Revolution. The Revs thought they should have had a penalty in the 90th minute, but it wasn’t given and United held on.
When they last met
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The Red Bulls might not have found their best form until late in the season, but they were at their best against D.C. United from the start. They won their first meeting on March 22 comfortably, defeating the Black and Red 2-0 at Red Bull Arena. Just under a month later, the Red Bulls were able to nullify two Perry Kitchen goals, coming from behind to grab a draw at RFK Stadium. In their most recent game, in August, NYRB helped D.C. in their tailspin out of first place, handing them a very decisive 3-0 loss.
Key player -- Bill Hamid
Much of D.C.‘s success in recent years is down to the play of Hamid. Despite their rigid and conservative style of play, their defense is just OK, and regularly gets bailed out by one of the league’s top goalkeepers. Even if United outplays Red Bulls on the night, they’ll need Hamid to make some huge saves to get the result they want.
Key matchup -- Dax McCarty vs. Chris Rolfe
The bulk of D.C.‘s dangerous chances are likely to come on the break and it’ll be down to McCarty to make sure Rolfe doesn’t find the ball in dangerous spaces to start counters. It’ll also be up to McCarty to help Red Bulls control possession and keep United chasing the ball for most of the game.
D.C. United injuries and suspensions
Out: Chris Korb (knee), Davy Arnaud (concussion), Jared Jeffrey (face)
New York Red Bulls injuries and suspensions
Out: Chris Duvall (leg), Roy Miller (knee), Anatole Abang (hamstring)
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
TV: ESPN (U.S.), Sky Sports 5 (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), MLS Live, TSN Go (Canada)
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