Red Bulls Aim for Consistency Against Slumping D.C. United
The New York Red Bulls are seeking to regain their stride as they return to home turf Saturday to face an out-of-form D.C. United squad that sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With home advantage and a dominant head-to-head history on their side, New York has a golden opportunity to build momentum — but consistency remains the missing piece.
Want to make your wagers count this weekend? Don’t miss out — maximize your returns with expert-driven MLS picks and predictions for this key Eastern Conference clash.
Red Bulls Searching for Rhythm After Slow Start
After reaching the MLS Cup final last season, expectations were high for the Red Bulls (3-2-3, 12 points) entering 2024. But a string of inconsistent results — 1-1-1 over their past three — has left head coach Sandro Schwarz urging his squad to find their groove.
Confused By Odds And Spreads? The Expert Betting Guide Can Help.
“We want to give the answer on the field on Saturday against D.C. United,” Schwarz said. “It is a big game for us and our supporters.”
Injuries have played a role. Star forward Lewis Morgan remains sidelined following knee surgery, while several others — including Daniel Edelman, Marcelo Morales, and Roald Mitchell — are also out. Julian Hall and Mohammed Sofo are questionable.
Still, New York’s dynamic duo of Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has kept the offense afloat, with both players tallying three goals and one assist each.
The Red Bulls are unbeaten at home this season and haven’t lost to D.C. United in their last eight meetings — a streak Schwarz is eager to extend.
D.C. United Trying to Stop the Bleeding
D.C. United (1-4-3, 6 points) has struggled mightily in 2024, especially on defense. They’ve allowed more goals than any team in MLS and enter Saturday on a four-game losing skid.
“Those were two good performances… and they’re two top teams,” D.C. head coach Troy Lesesne said of recent narrow losses to Cincinnati and Columbus. “We just don’t get the result.”
Despite the rough stretch, there are a few bright spots. Veteran striker Christian Benteke continues to lead the way with five goals and remains the club’s primary attacking threat. In goal, Luis Barraza made his first start since 2023 last weekend and recorded five saves in a 1-0 loss to Cincinnati, replacing first-year keeper Kim Joon-Hong.
Lesesne, who served as an assistant for New York in 2022 and head coach in 2023, now faces the challenge of breaking the streak he helped build from the other side.
Want A Smarter Way To Bet? Follow The Best Handicappers Now!
Match Snapshot: New York’s Edge, D.C.’s Desperation
- Venue: Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
- Form: Red Bulls unbeaten at home; D.C. winless in four
- Key Players: Emil Forsberg & Choupo-Moting (NY), Christian Benteke (DC)
- Stat to Watch: D.C. United has conceded the most goals in MLS this season
The Red Bulls should have the edge in possession, pressing, and finishing — if they can stay organized defensively and avoid lapses. For D.C., staying compact and looking to Benteke for a moment of brilliance could be their best path to a result.