Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls

Orlando City has a date with a familiar opponent this Sunday as the Lions look to keep the unbeaten streak rolling. OCSC will be hitting the road to take on the New York Red Bulls, with just two matches having passed since the teams last met.

That means that I spoke with Dan Feuerstein of SBNation’s Once a Metro, and the Feuerstein’s Fire podcast. As usual, he was kind enough to help bring us back up to speed on the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls recently hired Gerhard Struber as the team’s new head coach. What can you tell us about him?

Dan Feuerstein: Struber is originally from Red Bull Salzburg, so he is familiar with how the New York Red Bulls is structured with the other Red Bull clubs in Germany, Austria, and Brazil. He should do well, but he just needs to learn about the American players here in MLS.

Caden Clark, a 17-year-old, just signed a first team contract, made his debut against Atlanta United, and scored the winning goal. How did he look in that game?

DF: Caden Clark looked great. He didn’t look out of place at all, which is why the USL side in the USL Championship helps out a kid like that. Then he came off the bench in Toronto and he smashed another fantastic strike to level the score at one apiece.

I believe that New York has a couple players away on international duty. Who has been stepping in for them in their absence? Have they been able to fill the gaps well?

DF: They have players that can fill in those gaps. Dru Yearwood is one of those players who can help in the midfield and so far Clark is one of those players that can fill in as well.

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

DF: No injuries, no suspensions, although Kaku and Cristian Casserers Jr. have to go though quarantine after their international stints for World Cup qualifying.

G: Ryan Meara; D: Mandela Egbo, Tim Parker, Aaron Long, Kyle Duncan MF: Sean Davis, Dru Yearwood, Florian Valot, Daniel Royer, Caden Clark F: Tom Barlow.

[Note: No score prediction given.]

Thank you again to Dan for the information on the Red Bulls.