Austin FC v New York Red Bulls: Schwarz 'proud' of visitors after winning run
New York Red Bulls will be looking to extend their winning run to four games when they face Austin FC in MLS this weekend.
Sandro Schwarz is proud of his New York Red Bulls team after they secured three consecutive MLS wins before the international break.
The Red Bulls won 2-0 against Atlanta United last time out, the third of three wins in a single week for the side.
Schwarz's side had lost their two matches prior to this run but are now back up to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings on 27 points.
After their win against Atlanta, Schwarz expressed his pride in the whole Red Bull community.
Schwarz said: "I'm very proud of the whole group, our supporters, that we are going all together in the same direction and also, when you have some difficult moments in the season, it's normal, and that we are able to answer directly in the way how we want to play.
"And I'm very proud of the whole group, and with all these rotations which we have done, especially the U.S. Open Cup, Charlotte game, all the games, and it's great.
"Now we can enjoy it, as well, now, and keep going after the national break."
Schwarz also praised the impact of Cameron Harper in the Red Bulls team. The midfielder scored and assisted in their win over Atlanta.
"He's a very important player for us, very important, especially with his deep runs," Schwarz added.
"And he's able to solve situations in one against one with his speed, as well, to have these deep runs. He's a hard worker in our defense behavior against the ball in our pressing, and to come inside from the far side, how we scored the first goal.
"So very important player. It's good to have him now in a good spot; this is what we have to continue."
They face Austin FC in their next match, who are currently seventh in the Western Conference.
Austin ended an eight-match winless run in the league before the international break with a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, marking just the second time in MLS this season they have scored more than once in a match.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin FC – Brandon Vazquez
Brandon Vazquez has been a key performer for Austin this season. The striker is the team's leading scorer with four goals, three of which have been the tone-setting first of the match.
However, the 26-year-old has failed to score in the last four games in all competitions.
New York Red Bulls – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has scored in each of the Red Bulls’ last two matches, the third time this season he has scored in consecutive games, and has found the net 10 times in the campaign.
The forward is one of three players (Kevin Denkey, Lionel Messi) with three different multi-game scoring streaks this season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
The Red Bulls have won three straight regular-season matches for the first time since October 2023. New York's last run of four straight league wins came in October 2021.
They have never lost to Austin (W1 D1), recording a 4-3 home win in 2022 and a 1-1 away draw in 2023 in the only two previous meetings between the sides.
At Q2 Stadium this season, Austin have three wins, four draws, and two losses in nine MLS matches. They will be out to end a four-match MLS home winless streak dating to May 4 against Minnesota United.
New York will seek to address a poor run of results on the road this season with two draws, five losses, and just one win in league away contests.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Austin FC – 37.6%
Draw – 26.4%
New York Red Bulls – 36%