May 14, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch reacts after a Los Angeles Galaxy score during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2017, the New York Red Bulls will face NYCFC in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

According to Glenn Crooks’s report on sbisoccer.com, head coach Jesse Marsch may not lead the New York Red Bulls into a highly anticipated clash against NYCFC on Wednesday night. Due to an ejection in the tournament last season he may be suspended for the US Open Cup match.

Due to late-game frustrations against the Philadelphia Union last year in the U.S. Open Cup, he may miss the match. While this would certainly be a blow to the team, the New York Red Bulls plan to come away victorious.

Jesse Marsch in preparation on Monday agreed with claims that this year’s NYCFC team is the best that they’ve had. Despite facing a solid NY team sitting in third place in the East, Marsch remains positive.

He stated that he know’s they’re going to bring their best and the RBNY will bring theirs. In the first ever US Open Cup matchup between these sides, each team will bring their best.

Right now, NYCFC’s David Villa sits in fourth in the race for leading goal scorer with eight goals. David Villa also leads in shots (60). Also, NYCFC’s Maximiliano Morales sits fifth in assists with seven.

The only MLS leader for RBNY in the MLS currently is Luis Robles who sits in third for most saves. While this indicates Robles’s attentiveness in goal, it also means that the RBNY defense has been allowing many shots to be taken.

If the New York Red Bulls look to solidify New York as red once again, they must neutralize the attacking threat of David Villa. RBNY must also supply an attacking threat of their own, otherwise, Luis Robles will look to add several more saves to his current total.

This will be a test as RBNY and NYCFC will face off twice in 10 days. With a win, RBNY can establish their season and form as back on track.

My prediction for the game will be 3-1 in favor of the New York Red Bulls.

Chris Sudol is a former college soccer player who now avidly supports the New York Red Bulls, Arsenal, and Barcelona, among many other soccer teams.