The New York Red Bulls are coming home for a long stretch at Red Bull Arena as they continue to try and find a way out of a losing funk. That also means that healthy bodies are returning, as they hope will be to start a winning streak as well as continue that streak for these final three-plus months of the season.
The defending MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew will make their lone appearance this season as the Capital club of Ohio will come over to challenge the Red Bulls. They are currently in eighth place, just below the playoff line with 24 points in 19 matches played. This side has always been dangerous and has been consistently a thorn by winning the last two games at Red Bull Arena, but not counting the loss last season in the MLS is Back tournament which is now three straight.
"Yeah, I think they have the last few weeks, also not the top run, Columbus. Yeah, I watched yesterday the game against Chicago and yes, I can see they have very interesting players in the group, but they cannot realize at the moment, the right results and we have a similar topic now, but I think they have a very interesting group and for us, it’s important to be ready to create in our fortress good chances," said Red Bulls head coach, Gerhart Struber, "We come back in our typical way of football, and we come back very close with the right belief to win this game. I think this is right now the most important thing and I think the whole week is very interesting with Columbus and after that the Derby. Yeah, the big focus right now is in this game with Columbus, to find the right match plan, to find the right confidence, to go in a game with the big belief, we win this game. I have the responsibility to bring my boys with the right tactical plan on the field. We work right now for that, and I have a good feeling to find good keys to open the door to success on Wednesday."
To see Sean Nealis return to the lineup in their controversial loss at Montreal, was a positive for the Red Bulls. Despite only playing 45 minutes, Nealis showed he is ready to earn more and can be a strong defender in the middle of the park. You saw clarity and solid decision-making from Nealis in his return. With Andres Reyes also returning to the roster from injury, maybe things can turn around, but Nealis knows that the Crew is a tough bunch to play against.
"I think Columbus is always a tough team to play against for us and obviously, they are the defending champions, we have to be ready for them. We are pissed off right now and we want to win, but we are together in the locker room and collectively, we will get through this, and I think we will put out a good result on Wednesday," said Nealis.
Former Red Bulls Players With Crew
There have been former players, either as the MetroStars or the Red Bulls, who have been endeared by the fans, played or currently playing for the Crew. Players like John Wolyniec, Mike Grella, and now of course Derrick Etienne Jr. But the one player who made a huge impact on the Red Bulls for over five and a half seasons was no other than Bradley Wright-Phillips.
After COVID knocked out his initial return with LAFC supposed to be coming over to say hello to the Red Bull Arena faithful, BWP will now make that return to this Wednesday night. A true club legend who made his name in lights and scored over 100 regular-season goals as well as all competitions.
Many are still sad that the club didn't give him a new contract so that one day he ended his illustrious MLS career with the Red Bulls as he scored some big-time goals and was one of three players who was a part of three Supporter Shield Championships I expect a crowd depending on if he starts or comes on as a substitute to get a standing ovation.
But it's time to get the full three points and right the ship as the Red Bulls take on the Columbus Crew and hope to earn a victory.
- Red Bulls Reunite Nealis Brothers - December 16, 2021
- John Wolyniec steps down as Red Bulls 2 head coach - December 10, 2021
- Red Bulls transfered and signed Carlos Coronel to three-year deal - December 6, 2021
