Soccer MLS

5 Bold Predictions For D.C. United vs. N.Y. Red Bulls In MLS Playoffs

Bold Predictions For NY Red Bulls vs. D.C. United

NY Red Bulls and D.C. United
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Red Bulls had one of their best performances of the year in the first leg of the MLS Playoff matchup with D.C. United. They take a 2-0 lead on aggregate into RFK Stadium this weekend. The opening leg was a subpar effort from D.C. United, who should only improve in the return match. Saturday's game should be highly entertaining and physical, but who will prevail?

5. Bradley Wright-Phillips Will Be Held Off the Score Sheet

BWP
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. Bradley Wright-Phillips Will Be Held Off the Score Sheet

BWP2
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The MLS Golden Boot winner tied the record for most goals in the season and added one goal in the first leg thanks to a nifty team play. However, teams have a tendency to play more defensively with a 2-0 lead. BWP is still dangerous on the counter and will have Thierry Henry alongside him during the rush. However, D.C. United will have better control of this game and keep the league's top scorer off the score sheet.

4. There Will Be At Least Four Yellow Cards

Lloyd Sam
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. There Will Be At Least Four Yellow Cards

Lloyd Sam2
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This one is sure to be physical, especially with D.C. United chasing the match. New York received all three yellow cards handed out in the first match. There should be at least one D.C. United player booked this weekend.

3. Luis Robles Will Outplay Bill Hamid

Luis Robles
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. Luis Robles Will Outplay Bill Hamid

Luis Robles2
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Hamid was one of the best keepers in MLS all season long. Robles needs to come up huge as his team is sure to be under constant pressure. Everything is right for Robles to be on center stage. Robles is going to make some great saves, and even though D.C. United will find the net, he will pick up the defense in front of him.

2. The Game Goes To Extra Time

Red Bulls and DC United
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Game Goes To Extra Time

Red Bulls and DC United2
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

D.C. United cannot play worse and the Red Bulls probably cannot play any better than they did in the first leg. With no away goals scored in the first match, a 2-0 win by D.C. will put this into extra time. If New York can score one at RFK Stadium this one is over, but look for it to go past 90 minutes.

1. Thierry Henry Puts His Stamp On the Series Winner

Thierry Henry
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

1. Thierry Henry Puts His Stamp On the Series Winner

Thierry Henry2
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Henry has excelled as the distributor and playmaker. He may provide the game-winning assist or score the only goal of extra time, but Henry will be in the middle of the deciding goal in one way or another. The Red Bulls will advance and Henry's career in New York will be extended at least a couple more weeks.

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