MLS 2019 – New York Red Bulls vs New England Revolution – tactical analysis

The last time New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution faced off in the MLS, the later managed to sneak a 1-0 home win over their Red Bull rivals. After a 1-1 draw on Saturday, the two teams remain just three points apart in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Despite dominating for most of the first half, New York Red Bulls could only head into half time with a 1-0 lead. As the match went on, New England started to find their feet in the game and equalised in the 65th minute through Gustavo Bou. Find out how games tactics developed in this MLS tactical analysis.

Lineups

Chris Armas showed his attacking intent by lining up his New York Red Bulls in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The three advanced midfielders played narrower, relying on the fullbacks to provide width in the attack.

Bruce Arena picked a more defence-minded setup by starting in a 5-3-2. Defender Andrew Farrell didnt make the trip to New York as he was out with a suspension. New England Revolutions line up suggested they were looking to sit back and knick a goal on the counter, but after conceding early, this formation changed. We will discuss this further in the analysis.

New England Revolutions defensive shape

Before conceding, New England Revolution looked quite happy to sit back and defend with five at the back. Despite their lineup suggesting that they played in a 5-3-2, New England had a defensive block of five, with two midfielders sitting in front of them. Carles Gil would push further up the field with attackers Teal Bunbury and Gustavo Bou. We can see the defensive setup in the image below.

Scott Caldwell and Luis Caicedo were tasked with preventing balls into central areas in front of New Englands 18-yard box, encouraging New York Red Bulls to attack down the lines. When crosses were played into the box, New England did a good job of clearing it before it passed the front post. Five men at the back, with two holding midfielders, allowed New England to maintain central solidity.

In the example below, Roye