Ahead of tonight's match at New York Red Bulls, SportingKC.com caught up with Soccer By Ives' Franco Panizo to preview the match at Red Bull Arena.
What's been the reason for the Red Bulls' slow start this season (1-3-0)?
They definitely haven't gotten off to the greatest of starts and they've struggled on both sides of the ball. They haven't been able to get things going and put a complete performance together. They had the victory against the Houston Dynamo but aside from that they haven't really been able to figure it out. From my perspective, much of the Eastern Conference has gotten better. They lost a big piece in Matt Miazga and replacing him hasn't been easy and the other starting center back from last year, Damien Perrinelle, is still recovering from an injury. Half of the back line is different right now and the attack just hasn't been in sync. Bradley Wright-Phillips hasn't been as clinical as he normally is but Head Coach Jesse Marsch is confident that things will get better so he's not making any drastic changes.
With both teams missing key defensive players, are you expecting a more open and offensive match?
I think so. I think we'll see some goals. Both teams have attacking talent and in Red Bulls' home matches you usually don't see very tight 0-0 matches. The field is usually in pristine condition and that can lead to open games with plenty of chances. That combined with the fact that both teams have center backs missing, I think we could see several goals. There should be plenty of chances on both ends but Kansas City might be able to have more than usual because of how depleted the Red Bulls' back line is.
What are your thoughts on the midfield battle for Saturday's match (featuring Feilhaber & Espinoza for SKC, Kljestan & McCarty for NY)?
Often the midfield can decide matches and I think that could definitely be the case on Saturday. Bradley Wright Phillips is dependent on service from the midfield, from Sacha Kljestan or Dax McCarty. The Red Bulls midfield against Sporting KC's is going to be an interesting one to watch. The Red Bulls have to be wary of Benny Feilhaber and his playmaking abilities and up for the battles with Espinoza. It will be interesting to see who can get the upper hand. The Red Bulls are going into this match without an every game starter in Felipe due to a red card. Sean Davis will likely replace him in the lineup. How he can cope with what Kansas City's midfield could go a long way to determining the outcome of this game.
