New York Red Bulls vs.
Philadelphia Union
Tuesday, July 21, 4 pm ET
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
Watch: youtube.com/ussoccer
After surviving the Florida heat over the weekend, there is precious little time to recover as yet another important match awaits the New York Red Bulls.
Having won five of their last six in all competitions, New York will look to stay hot as a US Open Cup quarterfinal with the Philadelphia Union looms large on Tuesday afternoon. Facing their first MLS competition of the tournament, the Red Bulls have insisted that they will put out their best possible starting lineup as they aim to move closer to a first ever Cup title.
“We don’t need more motivation for that,” defender Matt Miazga said. “There’s a spot in the semifinals of the Open Cup [on the line.] At the beginning of the season we stressed that we wanted to win this tournament and I think this is a great opportunity for us at home in front of our fans.”
A quick turnaround from a difficult Orlando environment coupled with an International Champions Cup matchup on Wednesday has put the side in a tough situation, but the Red Bulls insist they will be ready to go for Tuesday’s matinee.
"It's all about recovery how fast everyone recovers and gets ready for the game,” winger Mike Grella said. “We are an enthusiastic and energetic young group. No question we will be 100 percent ready for that game."
-- ERIC GIACOMETTI|More at NewYorkRedBulls.com
In their last US Open Cup game, the Philadelphia Union rallied for two goals while down a man to overcome a second half deficit vs. D.C. United and earn what Jim Curtin would call his most special victory as head coach.
But to keep advancing in the tournament, the Union will need to overcome more adversity stemming from that game as leading scorer C.J. Sapong will serve a one-game suspension in Philly’s quarterfinal matchup at the Red Bulls because of the controversial red card he picked up against D.C.
Without Sapong, who had four goals and an assist in June, the Union will turn to Designated Player Fernando Aristeguieta, who’s been out with an ankle injury since early June and didn’t make the gameday roster for the Union’s 2-1 loss at Toronto on Saturday.
“Fernando is good,” Curtin said. “He probably could have come [to Toronto] and contributed in the last 10-15 minutes but I wanted to save him for Tuesday knowing that C.J. is suspended.”
In addition to Sapong’s suspension, starters Richie Marquez (ankle sprain) and Andrew Wenger (concussion) are doubtful after picking up injuries in Toronto.
And John McCarthy, who started in Philly’s first two Open Cup wins, will return to man the net with league starter Brian Sylvestre ineligible for the tournament and Andre Blake currently with Jamaica at the Gold Cup.
