Colorado Rapids v New York Red Bulls: Armas says past results count for nought

The Colorado Rapids are seeking a fifth straight home win when they face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, but coach Chris Armas says their previous results will count for nothing if they do not execute on the day.

Colorado sit fourth in the Western Conference, six points behind leaders Los Angeles FC, after winning five of their last six games (one defeat).

At DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, they have won their last four matches against Austin FC (2-0), CF Montreal (4-1), Sporting Kansas City (2-1) and St. Louis City (4-1).

Armas, however, says all that good work could easily be undone if they do not understand how to combat the Red Bulls’ high-pressing style.

“It’s five out of the last six that we’ve won but this is the past. We have to reset and be ready against a really good team,” Armas said.

“Part one is to understand the opposition and part two is to execute. This is very specific, they’re very clear in the way they play.

“I’ve seen a lot of teams play against them but it’s not easy against that philosophy. It’s very intensive and you have to actually go out and execute your plan.”

Our love for this team runs deep

Go inside the locker room after our dominant 4-1 win on Sunday!#Rapidsd96 pic.twitter.com/45ccia7rml

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) July 9, 2024

The Red Bulls are also flying high, sitting fourth in the East after going five games unbeaten, though four of those have finished level.

They have lost key attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg to injury and he is expected to be sidelined for at least a month, but head coach Sandro Schwarz is confident they can cope.

“With Emil the situation is now clear, but we also played the last two games without Emil,” Schwarz said. “We showed, for me, very good performances.

“He’s a key player, for sure, but now we have to handle it and it’s my job with the coaching staff to cope with this. Hopefully he will come back as soon as possible.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Cole Bassett

Bassett, Kevin Cabral and Jonathan Lewis all had a goal and an assist in the Rapids’ 4-1 win over St. Louis last Sunday, the first time three Rapids players had done so in the same match since 2008 – Mehdi Ballouchy, Colin Clark and Tom McManus versus the Red Bulls.

Bassett’s seven goals in MLS this term have only been bettered by Rafael Navarro (11) and Djordje Mihailovic (10) among Colorado players.

New York Red Bulls – Dante Vanzier

Vanzier averages 0.42 assists per 90 minutes in MLS this year, the fifth-best figure in the competition, while he has also created 1.55 chances per game.

The Red Bulls may have to absorb plenty of pressure on Saturday, but they will be keen to get Vanzier involved whenever they manage to mount an attack.

Wednesday work #RedRunsDeep pic.twitter.com/oHIdFiBHay

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 10, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

The Rapids have won their last two meetings with the Red Bulls, including an incredible 5-4 victory the last time the sides faced off in 2022. Colorado had only won three of their previous 12 matches against them in all competitions dating back to 2010.

Colorado have won seven of their last nine games on home soil (one draw, one loss), including their last four in a row, their longest home winning streak since a six-match run spanning the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

The Red Bulls, though, are solid opponents and played out a goalless draw on the road against the Philadelphia Union last time out – their fourth of the campaign. It would be no surprise to see them attempt to keep things tight again here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 36.8%

New York Red Bulls – 37%

Draw – 26.3%