New York Soccer Journal spoke with Mark Fishkin of the Seeing Red Podcast to learn more about Red Bull New York, New York City FC's opponent at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Red Bull New York preview.
• League Form: W-W-L-L-D
• Record: 5W, 3D, 5L | 18 points, 6th place
• Scoring Leader: Julian Hall, 9 goals
• Assist Leader: Ronald Donkor, 4 assists
1. Improving defensively
New York Soccer Journal: After going five MLS games without a win, Red Bull New York has posted back-to-back victories. What’s led to the sudden change of form?
Mark Fishkin: Scoring three goals per match sure helped, but the New York back line has stepped up a bit, conceding only once per game in open play. Against Chicago, the Red Bulls used Dylan Nealis in his natural position at right back and shut down the Fire's high-powered attack. In the Crew match, Nealis was slotted as a center-back but after conceding early to Max Arfsten, the New York backline tightened up. If it wasn't for a handball by Omar Valencia (and subsequent penalty kick), the Crew game would have been a bit more comfortable for the Red Bulls.
2. Julian Hall's historic year
NYSJ: Last game against Columbus, Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick. With a team-high nine goals this season, is anyone stopping Hall?
