On a special Autism Awareness Night at Red Bull Arena, the New York Red Bulls host Sporting KC. Sporting KC, who suffered their first loss of the season last weekend at home - Real Salt Lake, while take on a Red Bulls squad with much to prove in this young season.
Rebound Affair
Both the Red Bulls and Sporting KC are coming off losses in their last match. The Red Bulls suffered a controversial 1-0 loss at the New England Revolution last Friday in Foxboro. In Kansas City, Sporting lost for the first team this season to Real Salt Lake.
In this young new season, Sporting and New York have had much different starts. Sporting opened the season with three straight victories, including a win in Seattle on the opening weekend. The Red Bulls on the other hand limped out of the gate this year, despite being last year's Supporters' Shield Winners. New York began the season with two loses, to Toronto FC and Montreal, before beating the Houston Dynamo in a seven goal thriller. Last week’s loss to New England has dampened the mood around the club’s fan base after such a promising season from Jesse Marsch’s men last season.
Red Bulls Midfield Key
If the Red Bulls want to come away with three points on Saturday night, their midfield will be the key to unlocking Sporting KC.
While the visitors may have the advantage in the attack and defense departments, the Red Bulls must utilize their strength in the mid to break the advantages towards them. Mike Grella, Dax McCarty, Sacha Kljestan, and Lloyd Sam must overload the midfield and win their battles against Benny Feilhaber, Soni Mustivar, and Jordi Quintilla to break open the Sporting KC defense.
For Your Information
-Sporting KC have failed to win in their last six matches against the New York Red Bulls.
-Red Bulls midfielder Felipe is suspended after his red card against New England last match.
- Sporting KC defender and captain Matt Besler will not be playing, as he is still recovering from a concussion and must complete the MLS seven step concussion protocol to be eligible to return.
-Sporting will also be without Justin Mapp (toe), Soni Mustivar (hamstring) and Brad Davis (concussion).
Autism Awareness Night
The Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena have decided to join the Autism Awareness cause! The Red Bulls will be adding many places of help in the arena to those affected by autism, as well as leading the way to help spread awareness and information.
Per NewYorkRedBulls.com:
The venue's security staff being trained on how to work with children and adults affected with Autism; a dedicated entrance at Gate C to ensure easy ingress for families; a dedicated Quiet Zone to provide those in the autism community with a sensory friendly and judgment free environment; the national anthem singer will be a person affected by Autism; the photo booth in the "BULLevard" area will have an Autism Awareness theme; players to wear Autism Awareness themed items on the pitch; limited-edition match day poster with Autism Awareness theme will be given to first 5,000 fans.
The Red Bulls will partner with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for Autism.”
NEW YORK RED BULLS - SPORTING KANSAS CITY (#NYvSKC)
April 9, 2016 (Week 6, MLS Game #47)
7:00 PM (EST)
RED BULL ARENA, Harrison, N.J.
National TV: MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick
Last meeting: 1-1 draw on March 8, 2015