New York Red Bulls vs Real Salt Lake Match Preview
This fixture at Red Bull Arena will see two of the leading contenders for the MLS Cup go head to head. The Red Bulls own a one point lead over Columbus for top spot in the East, but face a tough visit here from defending MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake.
The Red Bulls will suffer the loss of starting goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, and speedy winger Dane Richards who has been in goal scoring form of late. Both players are away on international duty for Senegal and Jamaica respectively. The Red Bulls should be able to field Mexican star Rafael Marquez who is recovering from a knee injury.
Real Salt Lake have no major injuries but coach Jason Kreis could consider resting players, as the Utah squad have played 14 games over the last two months in all competitions. Javier Morales and Andy Williams will key the Salt Lake attack, with a combined 14 assists between them.
PREDICTION: New York Red Bulls 1 Real Salt Lake 1. A tie will keep both teams on track for their playoff bid.
New York Red Bulls vs Real Salt Lake Match Report
New York drew Real Salt Lake 0-0 at Red Bull Arena. Both teams are already through to the playoffs, and looked complacent in their fixture.
Red Bulls keeper Nick Rimando made several good saves, but his opposite number Greg Sutton was hardly tested throughout the game. A handball by a Real Salt Lake defender in the box should have gone New York’s way for a penalty, but the referee dismissed protests from players including Thierry Henry.
The match fizzled out in the second half. Both sides can blame fatigue this late in the season, but with so much fire power on the field, the result would have disappointed any neutral.
Red Bulls fans can be comfortable with the point, knowing they are still top of their conference.
