After a poor first-leg performance at home, D.C. United are big underdogs in the second leg of their playoff tie against rivals New York Red Bulls. But despite their struggles, this conference semifinal is still very much alive -- Red Bulls only won by one goal, even if they appeared to be better by a much larger margin than that.
Red Bulls vs. D.C. United 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch MLS playoffs online
Their first leg performance was abysmal, so D.C. United face a serious uphill battle against New York Red Bulls.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
No matter how D.C. do in this match, they can’t possibly do worse than last week. They only completed 55 percent of their passes and managed zero shots on target, putting together arguably the worst home playoff performance in the league’s history.
Red Bulls have one of the best home records in the league, winning 12, losing three and drawing two this season. No team in the Eastern Conference had a better home record this season.
United have been slowed down by injuries this season, and they’re sweating them again heading into this game. Starting winger Chris Pontius couldn’t play in the first match and isn’t a lock to be available on Sunday. The Red Bulls are much healthier, but lost a key player in the first leg -- center back Damien Perrinelle is out for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury.
Key player -- Dax McCarty
Not only does he run the show from the center of midfield, but he scored the only goal in the first leg, heading in a set piece. He’s the captain for a reason -- he’s both the emotional leader and the guy who controls the match in all phases for Red Bulls.
Key matchup -- D.C.‘s attacking set pieces
Even if Pontius is fit and Chris Rolfe gets to play in his preferred position, behind a striker, D.C. isn’t going to create a lot through their build-up. They might have to score a set piece goal to win this one, and Red Bulls might find them a bit harder to defend without Perrinelle.
New York Red Bulls injuries and suspensions
Out: Damien Perrinelle (knee), Chris Duvall (leg), Anatole Abang (hamstring).
D.C. United injuries and suspensions
Out: Chris Korb (knee), Davy Arnaud (concussion), Jared Jeffrey (face). In doubt: Chris Pontius (hamstring), Sean Franklin (achilles), Michael Farfan (undisclosed).
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
TV: ESPN (U.S. -- English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), Sky Sports 5 (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), MLS Live (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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