New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 03/11/2023, 18:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 04/11/2023 at 11:00 in Major League Soccer Prediction

Game two of the MLS Cup Playoffs will see eighth-seed New York Red Bulls playing host to top-seeds Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Round One. Cincinnati secured a solid 3-0 win at home last week, meaning that a win here will be enough to see them into the semi-finals. With the new playoff format, there are no aggregate scores, so a win for the Red Bulls would take this tie to a third match. In the first game, FCC applied pressure early on the Red Bulls and managed to score twice in the first half. They also did well in matching the trademark physical style that New York is known for. However, with the new rules, the slate is wiped clean here, and they will need to get the job done once more. The visitors have done well in their last two elimination games at Red Bull Arena. They eliminated the Red Bulls from the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs and won on penalties in the round of 16 of the 2023 US Open Cup.

Meanwhile, the Red Bulls' best-ever run in this competition came back in 2008 when they finished as runners-up. After falling behind early in the last match, they never really looked likely to get back in the contest. However, that is hardly surprising considering that they have only managed one comeback win the season. NYRB’s entry to this competition came down to the final day of the regular season and a last-minute penalty from John Tolkin. Notably, that was the only time that they got into a playoff position all season. However, the hosts dominated Charlotte in the Wild Card game and will need to find another big performance here. Under head coach Troy Lesesne, the team came into the Playoffs in their best form of the season, with wins in their last four games and earning points in seven of their last eight matches.