Red Bulls will not overlook Orlando
The Red Bulls are the first MLS team to have clinched a playoff berth this season, but they can’t afford to rest. They have put themselves in position to claim a second Supporters’ Shield in three years, but to close the deal they likely will have to excel in a threegame homestand that starts Friday against Orlando City (7 p.m., UniMas).
The Red Bulls’ 48 points are tied for the most in MLS, and their pointspergame (1.71) are the best in the league. But the Red Bulls know a few bad weeks can erase that, and they’re facing an Orlando team that’s as desperate as it is talented.
“If you asked us at the beginning of the season if we would’ve taken this, we would’ve definitely taken that,” midfielder Lloyd Sam said. “I can’t be any happier, really. We’re at the top, [But] we have to just take each game as it comes, and see where we end up.’’
Despite the Red Bulls’ 922 record at home this year, coach Jesse Marsch cautioned against taking the homefield edge or Orlando for granted.
“One of the dangers is we’ve been so good there that you almost take results for granted,’’ Marsch said. “We’ll be expecting their very best, a team that’s going to lay it all on the line. That’ll be good for us. It’ll be a really good challenge.’’
The challenge will be dealing with speedy Cyle Larin (11 goals), and superstar Kaka (nine goals). Kaka hurt his thigh on his last trip to Red Bull Arena, playing for Brazil against Costa Rica this month. Now he’s healthy, champing at the bit to knock off the Red Bulls.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment to be back in that stadium where I got injured, and now I can play again,’’ Kaka said. “Sure, it’s going to be tough because they’re playing very good right now. Red Bull is in a good moment. … But I think we’re more confident and ready to face them in this type of situation.’’
As dangerous as Kaka is, midfielder Dax McCarty — who will join Felipe in dealing with the former FIFA Player of the Year — said the Red Bulls must concentrate on themselves.
“It’s more about what we do when we have the ball. But we have to definitely be aware of him, where he is, because he can definitely create and be very dangerous,’’ McCarty said. “They need the points, so they’re going to throw everything at the game. But we need the points too. It sets up for a good game.’’