The New York Red Bulls defeated the New England Revolution on Jul. 5 hoping to ignite a late-season playoff push.

The New York Red Bulls are in the core of their 2017 MLS regular season campaign. A playoff push, US Open Cup matches, and national team play surround an active RBNY team. The next few weeks could very well be a decisive time for the New York Red Bulls.

National Team Play

The CONCACAF Gold Cup will be played nearly the entirety of July. From July 7th until July  26th, the US National Team will compete for the top prize in their FIFA region.

The New York Red Bulls are one of the few MLS teams which do not have a player representing their club on the US National Team level. While disappointing, this may be a blessing in disguise. Because of the volume of games being played in July, it may prove helpful to have as many starting XI players as possible.

The New York Red Bulls will be playing New England on the 13th in a crucial US Open Cup quarterfinal match. Kelyn Rowe and Juan Agudelo will both be omitted from their club rosters. This will certainly play in RBNY’s favor.

This season, so far, Juan Agudelo contributed substantially for New England. He played 15 matches, scored seven goals, and recorded one assist. His talents will be left off of the New England roster. Can RBNY take advantage of the Revolution’s attacking absences?

Also missing from the roster will be Kelyn Rowe. Rowe, a crucial midfielder for the Revolution had played 17 games this season. He recorded 25 shots and 4 assists. Quite possibly this could be RBNY’s year to paint the US Open Cup Red.

No Time

In an MLS regular season matchup, RBNY faced New England on July 5th. They will meet again in New England on the 13th. This time, the game will be a single elimination matchup in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

Historically, RBNY won the last three games. There is no better time for the winning trend to continue. This matchup will be crucial in RBNY’s quest for a US Open Cup championship. Never won by the club, RBNY, if victorious over New England will advance to the semifinals.

A roster of depth proved to better New England in a full 90’+ matchup at Gillette Stadium. After an early goal by the Revolution, BWP beamed a 20-yard volley into the back of the net.

After another goal by New England, a penalty kick by Daniel Royer tied the matchup later in the match.

Heroics came from an unlikely Gonzalo Veron. A designated player described by some as underplayed, and some as a disappointing DP, saved RBNY from a tie. Veron in the 90th minute received a long, leading ground pass by Felipe. Veron received the ball near the top of the 18-yard box and confidently slotted the ball into the far corner.

A struggling RBNY team certainly received a lift from the win. A lift that may carry them above the red line and toward a US Open Cup championship.

Can RBNY sustain a substantial win streak while national team play continues?

Other players from Sporting KC, Dallas, Philadelphia, NYCFC, Chicago, and Toronto will participate in the Gold Cup tournament. No doubt these teams will see a difficulty in the absence of crucial players. If losses come to their opponents, RBNY need to be ready to win and win a lot.

Currently, RBNY sits in 7th place. Right below the red line. Toronto, NYCFC, and Chicago all sit above the line. Through this month RBNY will face three teams which sit below the red line. San Jose is the only team above and currently sit in fifth in the West. In fact, RBNY have a greater points per game percentage and have a game in hand against San Jose.

As a result of a busy month, the New York Red Bulls could see themselves in prime position. RBNY, as they approach the last their of the season could possibly come away with two out of three major trophies in 2017.

Not too bad for a team that struggled, and is still struggling to find their stride. If there is a time for RBNY it is now.

How do you think RBNY will fair this month? Who will impress? Will it be Gonzalo Veron, or will Captain, Sacha Kljestan, turn up his game in the next four matches?

Upcoming RBNY games:

July 13 – at New England, US Open Cup
July 19 – vs. San Jose, MLS
July 22 – at Minnesota, MLS
July 29 – vs. Montreal, MLS