As Major League Soccer enters the 16th week of the season, the New York Red Bulls have had an impressive first four months compared to last year, with 23 points in 14 games (6-3-5) and tied for third in the Eastern Conference Standings. With most of the club's success coming from Red Bull Arena, this next stretch of five home matches out of their next seven is crucial to how they will stand at the midseason mark. Here’s how New York can take advantage of the upcoming homestand.
Continued Success in Harrison
Although the Red Bulls have only played five matches at home so far in the season, the club is undefeated at the Red Bull arena posting a 3-0-2 record. New York has not yet failed to put up points in front of their fans and doesn’t look to slow down. In those five matches, the Red Bulls have outscored their opponents 11-4, putting them at a +7 goal differential when playing in Harrison, NJ. New York has been able to capitalize on chances when playing at home while the defense and goalkeeping do their job of limiting conceded goals.
Magic Morgan
Lewis Morgan has been a crucial part of the club’s success all season. After battling several injuries that kept him sidelined last year, the great Scot is back to his old self. Morgan currently leads the Red Bulls with nine goals on the season and is tied for fourth in the entire league for goals scored. Out of New York’s 11 goals scored at home, Morgan scored six of those including a hat trick in the 4-0 win over Inter Miami CF. The forward has also scored three goals in his last five matches played, two of which were in Red Bull Arena. As long as the number nine can continue his success on the home pitch and take advantage of situations, the Red Bulls can continue to rely on him at home.
Resilience of the Supporters
The first two home matches for the Red Bulls were played in severe weather. Both were played in torrential downpours with high winds in mid-40-degree temperatures. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the Red Bull supporters showed up both times with big crowds unafraid of a little rain. From a fan’s perspective, it’s not easy sitting in the pouring rain for two hours in 40-degree weather.
“It was not an easy weather day today, it was really hell, but [the fans] were there supporting us so for us as well to win in front of them to give them a win,” Captain Emil Forsberg said after the home opener. “That was very important for us. So, I'm happy and proud of the team. I'm proud of the fans. And I think we all have a good feeling right now. We just have to keep moving, be humble, and keep working.”
For the club’s home opener, the Red Bulls drew in an attendance of 19,284 fans while their second home game was attended by 25,219 fans. Rain or shine, Red Bull supporters show up to support their club.
The Red Bulls will play their first home match of the homestand on Wednesday, May 29th when Charlotte FC visits. Charlotte currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference but just two points behind New York. The Red Bulls look to remain undefeated at home this season as well as put on a good performance in front of the South Ward.
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