The Red Bulls are back at Red Bull Arena after their three-match road trip, where they were able to pick up points in two out of their three matches. Now they return home to continue this two-match unbeaten streak as they take on the Philadelphia Union who have had a good start to the season, and are the lone MLS side in the Semi-Finals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

Gerhard Struber’s boys are playing very strong and have earned confidence on the road now with the draw at Atlanta United and sweeping Orlando City with another two goals to one result at Exploria Stadium. We all know that the job is not finished with more matches down the road, but so far he has to like what he has seen so far from his side.

“I think the last few games in the last few weeks helped the whole team to go better and come better in our principles and execution. I think it is going in an efficient way, I think especially the last two games show me that we are ready right now.” said Struber, “They were also a way to pick up points and our performances were constantly on a good level. The game on Thursday will show us how ready we are against a massive opponent like Philadelphia. We can handle it and I have big trust in my team that we can win this game.”

But now they have a chance to move up in the Eastern Conference table as the Red Bulls are tied for sixth place with 16 points along with DC United, above the playoff line, then Montreal & Columbus below the playoff line. This is a big opportunity for the Red Bulls as they are currently three points behind the Union who are in third place in the east.

What will help the Red Bulls a little bit is that the Union will be without three of their players who will represent Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as forward Cory Burke, Goalkeeper Andre Blake & Defender Alvas Powell will be away with Jamaica, and since US Men’s National Team Head Coach didn’t select any Red Bulls for their Gold Cup roster. What will Struber try to do to stop the Union?

“I think Philadelphia plays in a similar direction like us. On the ball and against the ball I think we have to change something, or we have to be flexible in some moments. We know that Philadelphia is an outstanding team with a very good balance between defense and attacking moments and they have many key players. It’s a completely different game, like the game against Orlando City, it’s a challenge from the physical side and from the tactical side that we are in our execution in transition. Also, our buildups will have to be very clear and clean, and we’ll have the right desire in the end that we can create the next win at home.” said Struber.

The one thing about the Union that has been visible in their defensive game plan that has been laid out by head coach Jim Curtin who was a top defender himself back in his playing days with the Chicago Fire. Curtin has really shown the club’s toughness on the backline, preventing goals by the opposition. Even if they are missing two of those three important players on defense and in the net, it could be a long 90 minutes for the Red Bulls to put the ball into the back of the net.

“I think Philadelphia plays in a similar direction like us. On the ball and against the ball I think we have to change something, or we have to be flexible in some moments.” said Tom Barlow, “We know that Philadelphia is an outstanding team with a very good balance between defense and attacking moments and they have many key players.

“It’s a completely different game, like the game against Orlando City, it’s a challenge from the physical side and from the tactical side that we are in our execution in transition. Also, our buildups will have to be very clear and clean, and we’ll have the right desire in the end that we can create the next win at home.”

Hopefully, the Red Bulls can get Caden Clark back for this contest against the Union as he recovered from his appendectomy surgery because currently he and Cristian Casserers Jr are tied with the club lea on goals scored with four. This season we have seen the amazing moments with Clark and thy surprising offensive surge in the game of Casserers Jr If both players continue to surge and improve, we could see a battle for the club scoring title and possibly reach 20 goals for both players.

But now it’s time to prepare and get ready for that big match, this coming Thursday night as the Red Bulls are getting ready to take on the Philadelphia Union and let’s hope the home side can take the full three points and climb the standings.

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