D.C. United head north for a midweek match in search of essential Atlantic Cup points against the rival New York Red Bulls Wednesday, September 27, at 7:30 PM. Following a record-breaking four-goal performance by Patrick Mullins Saturday, the Black-and-Red will look to carry over their recent offensive outburst into the team’s second meeting with New York this season.
In the first meeting on April 15, United were shut out at Red Bull Arena, surrendering two second half goals in a 2-0 loss. Much has changed for both sides since then, and the Red Bulls will get their first look at a renovated and rejuvenated United club Wednesday, who are looking to pull even in the 2017 edition of the Atlantic Cup.
The Black-and-Red continue to improve their on-field chemistry, especially in the midfield. Against San Jose, the quartet of Mullins, Luciano Acosta and August-additions Paul Arriola and Zoltan Stieber were dominant, controlling the pace of play throughout and overwhelming the opposition with chances generated out of the midfield. Acosta’s creativity in the center and Arriola’s relentless speed down the flanks were exhaustive, and head coach Ben Olsen praised the play of Stieber postgame. Arriola, who made his seventh start with the club Saturday, registered his first two points with the Black-and-Red, setting up two of Mullins’ four goals. "This was the first real night where you saw what Arriola can bring to us," Olsen said. "And it’s not just with the ball and his service, his movement off the ball is relentless and that has to be there because you can’t guard against it."
For the second straight game, United will play a team on the very edge of the MLS Cup Playoffs’ bubble. The Black-and-Red dealt the Earthquakes’ playoff hopes a devastating blow Saturday, and the club will look to do the same against the sixth-placed Red Bulls.
New York have struggled of late, going winless in their last six matches, dating back to Aug. 12. The Red Bulls have been outscored 9-6 in that stretch. Since taking over first place on April 29, New York have slid down the standings, and struggled to find consistency on the pitch. The Red Bulls hold a narrow lead over Montreal for the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot, but will receive a boost in the midfield with the expected return of Daniel Royer. The Austrian and July’s MLS player of the month has been sidelined since Aug. 6 with a right knee injury, but could be in the starting IX against United, according to head coach Jesse Marsch.
Should United win Wednesday, the Atlantic Cup winner would be determined in the season finale, the final game at RFK Stadium. The Black-and-Red are determined to see that happen, and will look to launch a potent attack against their arch rival on the road and make it two wins in a row.
