New York Red Bulls vs San Jose Earthquakes Match Preview
New York return to Red Bull Arena after achieving a 1-0 first leg victory in San Jose courtesy of a Joel Lindpere goal. The Red Bulls will hope their home crowd can help them wrap up this playoff series and advance to an Eastern Conference final that they would play at home.
Central defenders Carlos Mendes and Tim Ream were outstanding performers in the away leg, doing a fine job of shackling Golden Boot winner Tim Ream, but they will realize the job is only half done. “No one gets away with 95 per cent focus in the playoffs,” Coach Hans Backe told the official Red Bulls website.
Backe will be expecting San Jose to come out guns blazing in need of the victory that they need to advance. French superstar Thierry Henry has taken part in limited practice this week and his return is possible for this game.
The Earthquakes will need to win on the road to advance but they are confident of doing just that. The Earthquakes had the second best road record in the MLS during the regular season behind only the LA Galaxy.
League leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski spoke confidently to the official Earthquakes website regarding their chances of success at Red Bull Arena. “We just need to get a win. We feel we can do that. We’ve been good on the road this year, even better than at home. That’s not always a good thing, but it is right now, and so we still feel confident,” said the Golden Boot winner.