New York Red Bulls on the 13th at will fight for the domestic US Open Cup while players shine internationally in the Gold Cup.
On Jul. 13, the New York Red Bulls will face the New England Revolution. This game will serve as a US Open Cup game and rematch of an MLS game less than 10 days ago. RBNY will be away at Gillette Stadium without two key players: Lawrence and Murillo.Lawrence and Murillo are both on international duty in Gold Cup play.
Domestic Cup
RBNY will be in a great position to move into the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Well won matches against NYCFC and Philadelphia sealed RBNY into the quarterfinals.
On a Jun. 14 afternoon, RBNY edged out a 1-0 result against NYCFC. Without Jesse Marsch to coach due to last year’s competition, Chris Armas took control. The possession of the match was dominated by RBNY which also reflected in the result.
Late in the 67th minute, BWP had his shot deflected by Sean Johnson. Daniel Royer then volleyed the rebound and found the back of the net. Strong defense aided RBNY’s offense and sealed the match closed.
Next Up: U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals. ?#USOC2017 | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/ocCxfKIRHL
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 10, 2017
RBNY on Jun. 28 met Philadelphia in the round of 16. Knocked out by the Union in the two previous years, RBNY wanted to make a statement. After a full 90 minutes of regular time and overtime play, the match was decided by penalty kicks.
Ryan Meara saved the only penalty shot and Felipe scored the winning goal. The New York Red Bulls prevailed in a hard fought match. As a result, RBNY advanced to the July 13th match against New England.
RBNY, in a recent MLS season match on Jul. 5, defeated New England. The final score was 3-2. A screamer was scored by BWP, a penalty kick was converted by Royer, and a game winner was scored in the last minute of regular time by Gonzalo Veron.
Both Lawrence and Murillo were absent from the roster.
Sacha credited the team’s win on being fit and roster depth. No doubt RBNY fitness and depth played a part as the team had a busy month of MLS and US Open Cup play. Marsch lauded Veron in his game-winning performance. He thinks Veron is a player who can contribute substantially for the team.
As the US Open Cup game approaches, depth and fitness will certainly need to be present. RBNY will be missing two key players on their roster to Gold Cup play. Kemar Lawrence and Michael Amir Murillo will be omitted from the roster.
International Spotlights
While no RBNY players are contributing to the USMNT Gold Cup journey, Jamaica and Panama have RED in their roster.
Kemar Lawrence contributed an assist in Jamaica’s 2-0 win over Curacao. In the 73rd minute, Lawrence crossed a ground ball to Darren Mattocks who slotted the ball into the net.
Kemar Lawrence earns an assist for #JAM in 2-0 win over #CUW!
?➡️ https://t.co/K3bA600tGM#GoldCup2017 | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/HJVt744DHh
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 10, 2017
Darren Mattocks scores the second goal, assisted by @kemarkemar24!!! ???#CUWvJAM | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/l0gICdwAR8
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 10, 2017
Jamaica currently sit second in their group right behind Mexico. They sit in front of El Salvador and Curacao. Both RBNY and Lawrence will be busy in the upcoming days as they look to bring home domestic and regional FIFA hardware.
In another successful match, Panama and Murillo tied the USMNT. An early goal by Dom Dwyer was not enough to hold off their opponents. Panama in the 60th minute was scored by Miguel Camargo.
Murillo played a full 90 minutes against the USA. He also contributed a shot on goal.
Panama sit in front of the USMNT in second in their group. They also lead Nicaragua, but sit behind Martinique.
#PAN ties it up with the #USA and @Amir_Murillo62 is PUMPED! #GoldCup2017 | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/gaN5qe0bCC
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 8, 2017
The New York Red Bulls at the end of the month could be a team who has a Gold Cup champion on the team and in sight of a US Open Cup final in September.
If RBNY are to make a serious US Open Cup push they will need big contributions from other team members. Sacha Kljestan, BWP, and Felipe in the attack need to produce goals. In their last game against New England, BWP scored, Felipe contributed an assist, and Kljestan only had one shot.
A bigger performance from these three will be needed if RBNY is to advance to the semifinals.
Ont he defensive end a big game from Aaron Long, Connor Lade, Zizzo, and Pierrinelle need to manifest. RBNY will not be able to afford to give up two goals. If they are to win a shutout is crucial.
Hopefully, RBNY can pull out a victory on the 13th. While away, RBNY have had success at Gillette Stadium and the game should serve as an entertaining and well-fought match.