Several key US men's national team prospects clash Saturday night when Julian Hall and Red Bull New York host Cavan Sullivan and the Philadelphia Union for a crucial Eastern Conference battle.
How to watch & stream
When
- Saturday, Aug. 29 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT
Where
- Sports Illustrated Stadium | Harrison, New Jersey
Record
- 8th in Eastern Conference
- 26 points (7W-9L-5D)
Last game
Scoring his first goal of the season after returning from injury, Cameron Harper netted a late equalizer for RBNY to salvage a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire FC.
It was New York's second positive result since the FIFA World Cup break; they're in a 1W-4L-1D slump.
Players to watch
- Julian Hall: Red Bull's leading goalscorer and star striker has produced 9g/5a in 21 league starts this season.
- Adri Mehmeti: A fellow homegrown sensation, Mehmeti has already established himself as one of the league's best defensive midfielders and tallied 1g/5a.
- Emil Forsberg: A former Sweden international, Forsberg is the team's joint-leading assist provider with 3g/7a.
- Cade Cowell: The 22-year-old US international has recorded 2g/7a while on loan from Chivas in LIGA MX.
Need to know
The RBNY youth movement under Michael Bradley is a defining piece of the first-year manager's philosophy. A former teenage starlet for club and country, Bradley has put his faith in Hall (18), Mehmeti (17) and defender Matthew Dos Santos (18), among others.
That trust has been repaid with Hall being named an MLS All-Star, Mehmeti earning early comparisons to some of the game's best at his position and both being touted for USMNT call-ups by Mauricio Pochettino. Plus, the youngsters have RBNY in a Wild Card spot heading into the home stretch.
Record
- 13th in Eastern Conference
- 21 points (5W-10L-6D)
Last game
After his midweek red card was rescinded, Cavan Sullivan headed home the opening goal in Philadelphia's 1-1 draw at Austin FC.
It was yet another headline moment for the 16-year-old phenom, who is enjoying a breakout season.
Players to watch
- Cavan Sullivan: The dynamic midfielder has 5g/11a in 25 matches (all competitions) this year, including a team-high seven helpers in league play.
- Neil Pierre: Since breaking into the starting XI, the 18-year-old center back has already recorded 3g/1a in six MLS appearances. The USMNT prospect stands at 6-foot-7.
- Milan Iloski: Philadelphia's leading goalscorer has notched 10g/5a during his first full season with the club.
- Kai Wagner: Recently returned as a Designated Player after a stint with English outfit Birmingham City, Wagner – an All-Star left back – has provided four assists in six matches.
Need to know
Entering the World Cup break, Philadelphia were bottom of the MLS table with one win in 15 matches. Since parting ways with head coach Bradley Carnell, the Union have been revitalized under interim manager Ryan Richter, posting an unbeaten 4W-0L-2D league record upon returning to play.
In large part, that is due to Richter's trust in Sullivan and Pierre. The teenage wunderkinds have pulled Philly back within three points of an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs position.
Despite being on the road, Philadelphia are the early favorite with nearly 45% of the market. That's compared to 32% for the host Red Bulls.
Market insights shared are current as of Thursday, Aug. 27 at 9 am ET.
