The two last season's top title contenders will try to secure their second win of the 2017 MLS season when the New York Red Bulls welcomed Colorado Rapids in front of a nationwide television audience at the Red Bulls Arena on Saturday. Rapids continued with their effective last season's method of 'rugged defense and opportunistic striking' to beat New England Revolution 1-0 in their opener at home. RBNY had to come from behind to secure a 1-2 away win over Major League Soccer debutant Atlanta United last weekend, surmounting long-travel and brief turn-around from their CCL loss to Vancouver Whitecaps last mid-week.
New York Red Bulls
Despite a tempestuous winter marked by the sudden departure of RBNY sporting director Ali Curtis, the team's readjustment to a new 4-2-2-2 formation tactics and the CONCACAF Champions League loss to Vancouver Whitecaps - yet the New York Red Bulls managed to scratch out a vital away win under a tumultuous condition in Atlanta. The Red Bulls are now enjoying their unbeaten streaks in the 17 MLS regular season games in a roll. - The Red Bulls have scored in their 16 consecutive MLS regular season games, averaging about 2.2 goals per match across those sixteen matches. However, the RNBY may continue their unbeaten streaks this weekend as they face the Rapids, they have won 2 of their 13 matches against Colorado Rapids dating back to 2008 season.
Colorado Rapids
Rapids allowed the least goals numbering 32 in Major League Soccer last season and that avariciousness attitude continued in last weekend's shutout victory against New England. Conversely, RNBY possesses the best goal differential of +17 in the Major League and their high oppression will test Rapids' emergent commitments to be more possessive and creative on the offensive movements.
Rapids' defender Sjoberg was named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Week 1 for his massive contributions in stifling the Revolution. Meanwhile, both Dominique Badji and Kevin Doyle will be leading the Rapids frontline this weekend and may introduce Shkelzen Gashi, who sat out due to Achilles injury in their first game.
