CHESTER, Pa. -- For the fifth time since entering MLS in 2010, the Union will try to conquer the rival New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena.
But it’s going to take something special.
With an all-time record of 0-4-0 at Red Bull Arena, history is certainly not on the Union’s side come Saturday.
“The guys don’t talk about it too much,” Union forward Aaron Wheeler said about the losing streak at Red Bull Arena. “We have a lot of confidence in our group and we’ve outperformed expectations so far [this season]. The expectation is to go in there and get a result. We’re not going in there preparing to lose or playing for a 0-0 draw. We want to score goals.”
Yet, expecting a result isn’t out of the question, as both clubs are currently situated in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Also, with a 3-2-0 record against the Red Bulls at PPL Park, the Union have found the formula to defeating the conference heavyweights.
So why the sudden change at Red Bull Arena? Wheeler suspects the Red Bulls’ top players simply play better in front of their home crowd.
“It starts with the atmosphere they have there,” he said. “Then, of course, it’s the team they put on the field, starting with [Thierry] Henry and [Tim] Cahill. They are always a force in the league and they have played a very high level for a long time.”
On paper, the Union have a legitimate shot of ending the streak. With 10 games left in the season, the Union are in third place with 37 points while the Red Bulls are in second with 38. Both teams have scored 36 goals in 24 games, with the Union allowing 32 goals against to the Red Bulls’ 31.
“It’s an arena and team that hasn’t been that hospitable to us when we’ve gone up there,” Union coach John Hackworth said. “We feel like we’re in a good way right now and can only control what we can. We want to go up there and put on the kind of performance to get us a result in New York.”
All-time series history at Red Bull Arena
Red Bulls 2, Union 1 -- April 24, 2010
The Union’s first-ever trip to Red Bull Arena was defined by defender Michael Orozco Fiscal’s handball in the 67th minute. The error gave Juan Pablo Angel an easy penalty kick as the Red Bulls took the 2-1 victory. The Union’s lone goal came from Sebastien Le Toux in the 59th minute.
"We played well, we just have to fix mistakes," Le Toux said. "We come back and after there is a mistake, there was a handball. It's unfortunate and we're a little bit frustrated."
Red Bulls 1, Union 0 -- October 20, 2011
In the final match of the 2011 season, the playoff-bound Union went out with a whimper, allowing the Red Bulls to clinch a playoff berth with three points. Dane Richards’ goal in the eighth minute proved the difference maker, as the Red Bulls wiped out Faryd Mondragon’s Union, 1-0.
Red Bulls 2, Union 0 -- July 21, 2012
The third meeting between the rivals could be summarized as two teams headed in much different directions. Kenny Cooper scored twice and Connor Lade had two assists for the dominant Red Bulls, as they defeated Josue Martinez and the lifeless Union, 2-0.
Red Bulls 2, Union 1 -- March 30, 2013
The Union’s first adventure to Harrison in 2013 wasn’t a fruitful one. Despite Conor Casey’s equalizer in the 63rd minute, late dominance from Henry saw the Red Bulls once again prevail over the Union at home.
“I don’t think we did what we needed to do, but in the end it’s still tough to swallow,” Hackworth told PhiladelphiaUnion.com. “We are going to be attack-oriented, we are going to go for wins on the road and unfortunately we fell behind before we made a couple changes. It’s a frustrating loss.”