MLS Soccer Predictions – N.Y. Red Bulls vs. D.C. United
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Onto the week’s MLS preview and prediction for the week.
Matchup: New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United
Date: Thursday, April 21
Time: Kick-off: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium — Washington, District of Columbia
TV: ESPN2/ESPND
MLS Fixture Betting Lines and Odds from Bodog
Money Line: New York +155, D.C. United +160, Draw +215
Spread: New York –Pick -110, DC United-Pick -120
Over/Under: 2 ½
Click Here for MLS MATCHUP Stats —>
A pair of Eastern Conference rivals digs into the Atlantic Cup duel this weekend as DC United hosts the New York Red Bulls at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium on Thursday night.
United has stuffed opponents offences since keeper Bill Hamid has returned to mind the net, and has conceded just a single goal in the last two games after allowing seven in their first three matches of the season. They have also picked up four points out of a possible six during that stretch as defense seems to be much more organized with the youngster Hamid controlling the back line,
DC is coming off a great outing against Toronto on Saturday night after a dismal performance against Los Angeles. Chris Pontius scored twice –his first two of the season –and Charlie Davies continued his comeback from a near-fatal car crash with his league-leading fifth goal to lift his side to a 3-0 win at BMO Field.
Boss Ben Olsen was disappointed that his side played too many long balls against the Galaxy, although they did better against Toronto. It will be interesting to see if United tries to pass the ball around Rafael Marquez and Tim Ream on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls are 2-2-1 in their last five including a huge 3-0 win on a rain soaked pitch in San Jose Saturday night. Luke Rodgers scored the first two goals of his MLS career, making him the team’s leading scorer, and added an assist while the Red Bull defense recorded its fourth clean sheet of the regular season. The win was the first for the Red Bulls since the season opener March 19 and snapped a three-game winless streak. 
New York has three strikers that are currently in good form. Juan Agudelo has been a consistent attacking player any time he has been on the pitch and Frenchman. Thierry Henry finally opened his goal scoring account last week against San Jose.
After a lackluster start to the season start to the 2011 season the Red Bulls look to be strengthening. The side likes to pass the ball around the defensive middle of the field, and they must be careful, or risk being caught by an opportunistic DC United attack.
United has historically dominated New York, but last year, the Black-and-Red lost the Atlantic Cup for the first time since 2003.
Both sides are coming off strong performances in their last outings, which will make this a good match.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Red Bulls 1, United 1.
Matt Martz is a sportswriter for the Bakersfield Californian, the Oregonian, Springfield Republican, Sacramento Bee, and the San Diego Union Tribune. I leave handicapping to the pros. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.
