Editorial: Looking ahead to the Open Cup Semi-Finals

photo by Matt Kremkau

What I'm about to do is a cardinal sin.

But within a little more than two weeks, the most important match that's coming up will be back in the land of magic and imagination. This big event will be at the Purple Palace on Church Street, as the New York Red Bulls will be facing Orlando City in the US Open Cup Semi-Finals.

This is a huge moment for Gerhard Struber and his young attacking side currently in a share of the top of the East with the Philadelphia Union as the club still has two big matches in league play to concentrate on at the time. The next weekend at home to NYCFC, then the following weekend a trip to Texas and face Austin FC for the very first time.

Struber knows very well that all points need to be grabbed here in these next two league games before they get to the Open Cup Semi-Finals, but that doesn't mean we can't dream about it. The excitement that all of us are feeling has been the dynamic duo of Lewis Morgan & Luquinhas doing the damage and giving us a show.

The last time the Red Bulls were down at Orlando City was three goals to nil victory on Sunday, April 24th, both men factored in on the victory and continue that hot road winning streak to start the season. But since then this is a different Orlando City team that has buttoned down defensively and has made their own big run into the Open Cup.

Now I understand the club can't get ahead of themselves, but honestly, I can't keep my excitement down about where and when this match is going to be played within a little more than two weeks' time. Of course, we can't look past the Hudson River Darby, nor can we look past the road trip to Austin, before the club heads to Central Florida, but the excitement of this match means one thing only. That's returning to the final.

While winning three Supporter Shields was just as important within that six-year span, it would be a lot sweeter, if the Red Bulls earn their first cup of the club if they get to September to the Open Cup final. That is the day of reckoning for what Struber has done so far.

Comments

Red Bulls Acquire Midfielder Frankie Amaya from FC Cincinnati

photo by Matt Kremkau The rumors have become reality as Frankie Amaya has become a New York Red Bulls player. The news comes after Amaya signs a new deal with New York following a trade from FC Cincinnati for $500 thousand in allocation money this season and $450 thousand in 2022. "We are very pleased to complete this deal," said Director of Sport Kevin Thelwell. "Frankie is a player we've watched closely, and we are confident that his skills and attributes are a good fit for our philosophy and style of play. We look forward to getting him into our environment and achieving success together in the years ahead." The 20 year-old midfielder was the first overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and played in 40 total games for FC Cincinnati, scoring one goal over that time. Amaya was also a major part of the US Men's National Team U20's Concacaf Championship win in 2018. The potential is there and his age and ability match the direction New York has taken o...

Tolkin and Edelman Called into Olympic Camp

photo by Matt Kremkau by Anthony J. Merced New York Red Bulls homegrown players John Tolkin and Daniel Edelman have been called into the US Olympic training camp ahead of friendlies later in the month. Tolkin, 21 years-old, has been called into Gregg Berhalter's camps in the past while Edelman will be making his first trip to the national level. Tolkin, now entering his fifth year as a New York Red Bulls player, has experience with the national team going all the way back to 2018 with the US Under 17 team. In 2023, he played four games for the Under 23 team and four games for the main national team as well. While he isn't a first choice pick yet, Tolkin's consistency hasn't gone unnoticed by US Soccer scouts and another solid showing could see him inch closer to a starting position. For Edelman it will be is first selection to such a camp. His experience with the Under 20's was extensive as he helped the team win the U20 Concacaf Championship in 2022. That tournamen...

Editorial: New York Red Bulls are Fun to Watch

photo by Matt Kremkau by Daniel Feuerstein The New York Red Bulls 2024 season starts off and running. In their first three matches, they have looked different from their last five to six seasons of doom and despair when trying to attack or have a lapse in judgment on the defensive end. The two big editions for the club are undoubtedly the imports from Sweden in Centerback Noah Elle & attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg. Two players who are a part of the Swedish National Team have started off well in Major League Soccer. We all knew what we were getting right away from Forsberg. A high-energy creative and attacking midfielder who was already bought in from day one, when Director of Sport Jochen Schneider went to Leipzig and brought him over. He was already committed to making the trip to the United States to play his brand of soccer, and so far he hasn't disappointed. Even though he has come close three times off of free kicks, hitting the crossbar twice and being saved by the ke...

Red Bull News Network

Search This Blog