Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls

Orlando City will return to the comfortable confines of Exploria Stadium after a pretty successful road trip. The Lions managed to take four points on the road from a couple of games against the two teams currently sitting third and fourth in the Western Conference, which is no mean feet.

This Saturday sees the New York Red Bulls come to town, which means I spoke with Dan Feuerstein of SBNation’s Once a Metro and the Feuerstein’s Fire podcast.

After a bumpy road at the MLS is Back Tournament, which continued into the first several games of the restarted regular season, the Red Bulls have gotten back on track with three wins in their last four games. What has been the biggest reason for the recent run of good results?

Dan Feuerstein: I think they just got back to basics and what has worked well for them. There has been a common sense approach from Bradley Carnell. and everyone is on the same page. Dru Yearwood has been a good addition as well.

How has former Lion Amro Tarek fared this season?

DF: Amro Tarek has done well. When he has been inserted into the lineup he has done a solid job. But maybe it looks like Sean Nealis might have ousted him a bit.

When we spoke last year you said you thought Cristian Casseres Jr. was the player being looked at to replace Tyler Adams after his departure to Red Bull Leipzig. Has he been able to step into that role?

DF: Yes he has. He has grown into the position and he has worked well as that box to box mid that can set up or score goals.

Are there any injuries or suspensions that will keep players unavailable for selection? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

DF: Captain Sean Davis and goalkeeper Ryan Meara are still out, but are progressing nicely. No one is suspended.

Starting 11 would be: David Jensen; Jason Pendant, Aaron Long, Tim Parker, Mandela Egbo; Daniel Royer, Kaku, Dru Yearwood, Cristian Casserers, Florian Valot; Tom Barlow.

No score prediction provided.

Thank you to Dan for helping us get up to speed on the Red Bulls, and vamos Orlando!