The New York Red Bulls face Inter Miami CF this Saturday, August 26 in what can only be considered one of the most anticipated games of the year. While playing the last-place team in the Eastern Conference doesn’t sound too intimidating, that all changed when Miami signed a certain player who is only known as one of the greatest of all time: Lionel Messi.
After joining Miami in late July, Messi’s 10 goals in just seven games helped turn a five-win team into Leagues Cup champions. Miami’s signings of former FC Barcelona trio Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba have brought a whole new excitement to the MLS and completely revamped the league. So what can Red Bull fans expect for their upcoming match against Miami?
Expensive Ticket Prices
Tickets are still available for purchase on resale websites such as Ticketmaster, Gametime, and StubHub but are nearly unaffordable for the average fan. Due to the hype and excitement of the upcoming match, the cheapest ticket prices for resale are ranging from $400 to $411. The average price of a Red Bulls ticket has been $46 all season according to Yahoo Finance. Fans looking for a quick and cheaper way to attend the game are going to have a tough time doing so.
Parking and Traffic
For those who somehow managed to find tickets and are attending the game, it may be a wise decision to leave earlier than usual. Arena parking in Harrison, NJ will be hard to find but there will be public parking available in surrounding areas on Raymond Boulevard and lots surrounding Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard. Newark will also have available parking, but fans will have approximately a 10-minute walk to the arena. Due to the anticipated high attendance of a sold-out crowd, public parking spaces are likely to increase their prices. Public transit could be the smarter way to travel to the game as it will cost less and could save time going to and from the game.
Game Preview
Miami wasn’t the only team to have an exciting run in the Leagues Cup this past month. The Red Bulls won their group and made it to the round of 16. They were unbeaten and conceded just one goal in three games before the Philadelphia Union ended their cup run in penalties.
New York returned from the cup break with a win and another clean sheet against D.C. United thanks to left back John Tolkin, who scored his first goal of the regular season in the final minutes of the game. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel also picked up his seventh clean sheet on the season facing no shots on goal.
Miami is a completely different beast after winning their first cup in team history. They have yet to play a regular-season game following the Leagues Cup, but were unbeaten in those seven matches scoring a total of 20 goals. That’s only two goals less than their season total in half the amount of games. The organization’s rejuvenated energy can visibly be seen with their three newest additions and the confidence is high.
Players to Watch
Frankie Amaya (Midfield)
In his third season with New York, Amaya has already scored a career-high four goals and two assists in 12 starts. The 22-year-old has proven to be a bright star on this young Red Bulls team and currently leads the team in goals.
John Tolkin (Defenseman)
Tolkin has shown up when it’s mattered. He leads the team with four assists and had quite the performance this past month. He scored the game-winner in penalties against the New England Revolution to advance the Red Bulls to the Leagues Cup Round of 32 and scored yet another game-winner against D.C. in the 88th of their most recent match.
What’s at Stake
Currently sitting in 11th place in the eastern conference, the Red Bulls are just three points behind the second wild card spot for the MLS playoffs. A win against Miami would put them in a three-way tie with Chicago Fire FC and CF Montreal. New York also has the chance to be the first team not to fall victim to “The Messi Effect.” Miami is undefeated since signing the Argentine superstar who has scored in every game he’s played with the team, but can New York put a stop to his reign?
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