It’s MLS playoff time! We’re starting off Saturday with a banger. New York Red Bulls host Cincinnati. The NYRB have had their home struggles this season, but finished strong winning three of their last four home fixtures. Cincinnati has played better on the road this season than at home. Cincinnati has the better form coming into this match being 3-1-1 in their last five matches. They have also been scoring goals at a much higher clip.
In the playoffs goals will be at a premium, and picking the goal scorers can get tricky. It feels chalky, but I have my eyes on Lewis Morgan for NYRB today. He has contributed the most to NYRB offensive production with 14 goals and 4 assists. Morgan had a bounce back year after being traded out of Miami and has found nice form. NYRB next two highest scorers have 5 goals a piece. Morgan has to be the guy today if NYRB have a chance at winning.
Cincinnati have enjoyed much higher offensive production this season. Brandon Vazquez has 18 goals to his name and 9 assists. Brenner has 18 goals and 6 assists. Luciano Acosta has an MLS leading 17 assists. All 3hree guys are in form and playing well. As the road underdogs, we will find a lot of value on these guys today.
I think Cincinnati ultimately advances over NYRB. They have been playing much better football going into playoffs. NYRB best chance is to defend well and hope to grind out a win to nil.