Good morning! A beautiful one here in RBNY land. Today the Red Bulls travel down I-95 to PPL Park, in picturesque Chester, PA, for their first away game ever against the Philadelphia Union. Two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum, with the Red Bulls fighting for a first place finish in the Eastern Conference and the Union already eliminated from playoff contention.
It's the Union's final home game of their inaugural season and, no doubt, they'll be looking to finish on a high against their nearest rival. They'll be playing for pride, and nothing else, but they have several offensive weapons that should not be underestimated. The lethal Sebastian LeToux has been on such unbelievable form, scoring both goals and creating assists in bunches, that Sigi Schmid must still be kicking himself at letting him go on a free. The Union also have a potent offensive weapon in rookie Danny Mwanga who, after a slow start, picked it up as the season progressed.
The Red Bulls, on the other hand, are currently first in the East, two points ahead of Columbus. Both teams have two games left but Columbus has the tiebreaker, if both teams wound up tied on points at the end. This means that, unless Columbus drops points, the Red Bulls have to win twice in order to secure first in the East. That's easier said than done, as the Red Bulls will probably be without several starters today and then there is that whole Juan Pablo Angel situation that might be just a bit unsettling to the club. So with all that in mind, let's get to some predictions!
Matt Conroy (aka Who Shot Sam) has this for us:
OK this is the game of the year for the cheese steak eaters, and their last home game of the season to boot. Apparently they expect us to act like Serbians in Genoa, so the security is going to be very tight for those of us traveling down to scenic (ahem) Chester for the game.I going to go with a Red Bulls win here. I'm thinking Dane burns Philly and TH14 will finally have his breakout game (multiple goals). Then again, TH14 might not play but I think Salou can pick up the slack (yeah, right). Ha, ha! Still, I'm thinking: Red Bulls 3, Union 1.
As for the result, we have simply not been creating many opportunities lately and I'm starting to have my doubts about the wisdom of the TH14 signing. It's time for him to show us something but I doubt it's going to happen this weekend. My guess is a 1-1 draw with goals by Le Toux and Lindpere. I'd love to whoop these clowns on their own turf but I just can't see it happening.
Homebrew Tim has this for us:
I have been in a hell of 14-hour days in Liberty State Park (why do people think it's a good idea to shoot TV shows in a giant tent?) and have hardly had a chance to sleep or think, so I'll keep it simple this week.Last, but not least, the great You Suck Corrales has this for us:
Philly sucks. 3-1 Red Bulls. Richards, Marquez, and even Salou.
Biggest weekend of the season by far. The Philadelphia away game. Bring a warm coat and bail money. As for the result I am going with NYRB 2 Union 0. Over/Under on NYRB supporters getting arrested 8 1/2 ;)Alrighty then! The Vipers Nest crew (sans Homebrew Tim) will be heading down to Chester today. Apparently, Red Bulls fans will be subjected to the strictest segregation ever seen in an away road trip. We'll have our usual, award winning observations and video commentary in a day, or two. Wish us luck!
Also other huge games tomorrow with implication to where and who we play in the playoffs. Columbus at Toronto. I ...beg you to forgive me but come on TFC. San Jose and Colorado are also playing on Saturday. Depending on results we could know who we are playing in the first round and secure home field to the final.
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