It's Friday and that mean's we are just TWO MORE DAYS until the Boys in Blue battle rival New York Red Bulls in the first round of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday, October 20th at 3 p.m. at Talen Energy Stadium. With all the buzz around the rivalry contest, let's take a look at a few x-factors that will determine who advances and whose season comes to an end.
Can the Union back line out class the attacking power of the Red Bulls?
The center back duo of Mark McKenzie and Jack Elliott might just be 20 and 24 years old but the duo bring a pace and ability to cut off attacks up the field when needed. Elliott and McKenzie will be tested whether New York Red Bulls start Bradley Wright-Phillips or Brian White at striker.
Red Bulls attack out wide will also present challenges for Kai Wagner and Ray Gaddis. The Union collected only six clean sheets in the regular season with the last coming against Chicago Fire on July 20th. Facing creative wingers like Alex Muyl, Daniel Royer, Marc Rzatkowski plus Kaku, the Boys in Blue’s defense will be tested against the Red Bulls quick attack so recovery sprints will be vital not only in pace but angle.
Who will control the ball in the middle of the pitch to start the match?
If you’ve watch any Red Bulls game, you know the middle of the park isn’t PG and it’s all over the place as their main objective is to force a turnover and spring an attack. Philadelphia Union on the other hand like to control the middle of the park and create space with the lanes and exercise patience to control the rhythm of the match.
That patience allows a veteran like Hair Medunjanin to spread out the clogged New York Red Bulls shape and fine lanes to create attacks down the middle or out wide. With the return of captain Alejandro Bedoya to the midifield as well, it allows a high-quality defensive player like Jamiro Monteiro to push forward and showcase his offensive ability as well.
