Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls

It’s Friday once again, and that means that another Orlando City matchday is almost upon us. The Lions will stay on the road and try to bounce back from a disappointing and disjointed draw against the Chicago Fire. The task won’t be an easy one though, as OCSC will square off against the New York Red Bulls, who currently sit fourth in the tough Eastern Conference.

A visit to Red Bull Arena means I caught up with Mark Fishkin, host of the Seeing Red podcast. As always, Mark was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on what’s been happening with NYRB.

The Red Bulls poured it on late against Charlotte FC on Wednesday, and scored three times in the final 20 minutes to get the win. Did you notice any substitutions or tactical tweaks that helped open the floodgates?

Mark Fishkin: While the additions of Dante Vanzeir (for Elias Manoel) and Dennis Gjengaar (for Wiki Carmona) in the 65th minute made New York faster, the Red Bulls were able to create scoring chances by running directly at the Charlotte goal rather than trying too many passes in the Charlotte box. Charlotte hadn’t conceded in over 500 minutes coming into the second half, and the Red Bulls confused them. Emil Forsberg’s curling free kick opened the scoring, but Lewis Morgan’s great pass to Forsberg three minutes later was the dagger.

New York has given up 22 goals so far, second most of any team above the playoff line in the East? Are those numbers a cause for concern, or have you been mostly happy with what you’ve seen from the back line?

MF: Well, nine of those goals were conceded in just two matches — the 3-0 loss at Columbus and the 6-2 pounding at Miami. Two more have been conceded late on errors on the road by young center back Noah Eile. They all count of course, but the team’s lost just three times in 15 matches, so I’m not concerned. Carlos Coronel has been fantastic and was rightly livid at his back line for conceding in the 96th minute against Charlotte on Wednesday.

With 15 games under NYRB’s belt, who has been your standout performer of the season so far?

MF: Lewis Morgan, without a doubt. The Scottish forward/midfielder is on pace to best his 2022 performance of 14 goals. Morgan has nine so far this season, and found Forsberg on Wednesday with a perfect pass to set up New York’s second goal. The Red Bulls missed his production so much last season. 

Will anyone be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, call-ups, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

MF: The Red Bulls have had some major injuries suffered by promising Homegrowns, most notably midfielder Peter Stroud, who broke his ankle against Chicago on April 13. Serge Ngoma is out longterm as well after a knee ligament tear. No Red Bulls are suspended for Saturday.

For the lineup, I’m thinking (4-2-2-2):
Carlos Coronel; Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, John Tolkin; Daniel Edelman, Frankie Amaya; Emil Forsberg, Wikelman Carmona; Lewis Morgan, Dante Vanzeir.

The Red Bulls are one of three MLS teams that are unbeaten and home (4-0-2) and after playing nine of their first 14 on the road, New York has seven of 11 matches at home. After Wednesday’s second half, I’m confident that the Red Bulls will carry the day. 2-0 to New York.

Thank you to Mark for the update on the Red Bulls. Vamos Orlando!