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Crooks: It's Time To Kick NYCFC-Red Bulls Rivalry Into Gear

By Glenn Crooks
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In an attempt to push for the renaming of this weekend's rivalry to the #BigAppleClasico, I have been thwarted by a relenting issue through the first four matches of the series – the games have failed to qualify for the classic trademark.

When the New York City Football Club hosts the New York Red Bulls on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, it will be trying to win its first derby match. The Red Bulls have governed the first four matches of the rivalry by a combined score of 14-2. RBNY won five weeks ago, 7-0 at the Stadium.

There appeared to be hope on May 21 when City returned from a difficult road trip with a five-match unbeaten streak, including a win at Providence Park against the MLS defending champ Portland. The physical and mental toll from the trip plus a relentless and near-perfect Red Bulls performance led to the outlandish score line in front of just under 40,000 in the Bronx. For the first and only occasion in 27 home matches for the second-year club, City supporters turned for the exits before the conclusion of the match.

Those who endured exhibited unwavering loyalty till the final whistle – like going to a fourth-grade band concert where the transcriptions are played without intonation and proper tempo until the conductor mercifully dictates the final note resulting in applause for the effort and an end to your suffering.

LISTEN: 'Soccer In The City' Podcast: NYCFC Beats Sounders, Faces Red Bulls Next

Although presenting different systems of play, the head coaches in this derby have similar traits. Patrick Vieira for NYCFC and Jesse Marsch of the Red Bulls are singular in a belief that their methods are preeminent for the game of soccer.

Out of a 4-2-3-1, the Red Bulls press high, play fast and will rarely knock the ball in a negative manner. It is a system that when executed properly, is arduous to break down and difficult to defend.

New York City chooses to provide tempo in a match with a more calculated approach toward goal. Out of the 4-3-3, City builds out of the back, and the shape seeks to space the midfielders in a manner in which they can control the match through possession with a purpose.

NYCFC failed miserably in the effort to build methodically in the derby opener this season, but Vieira claims that his philosophy remains the same.

"We are not going to change, this is for sure," said Vieira after training on Tuesday. "Our philosophy will be the same."

The former World Cup champion can reveal several rationales for his elevated confidence.

In the first derby match, New York City had just returned from a strenuous road trip – a typical venture that all Major League Soccer participants are forced to endure during the course of the season. The moment City stepped off the plane following the Portland/Toronto excursion, the head coach and four marquis players were shuttled downtown to celebrate MLS Heineken Rivalry Week. The league dictated this PR production to the detriment of New York City. NYCFC vs. the Red Bulls is deemed a critical matchup for MLS – then why set it up for calamity with a game and news conference schedule that weakens the ability to provide a proper showcase?

To claim that New York City's travel schedule was the lone factor in the Clasico embarrassment would be naïve and disrespectful to the Red Bulls who played the same number of matches during that stretch but with less travel. However, it was a contributing dynamic whose affect was immeasurable.

"We're coming from a different week from what we had when we played them a few weeks ago," said Vieira. "Physically, mentally we will be prepared, and it will be a completely different game. We may lose the match, but we will be ready for that game."

New York City will have a total of five days to prepare for this Sunday's match – before the May demolition, they had a single recovery day to prepare.

"The circumstances surrounding the game are different," said cult favorite Tommy McNamara after training Tuesday. "The last time we were coming cross country we had played two games already that week. You can't really get after it in training. You can't be too competitive because you're going to burn yourself out before the game. Here we have a full week to prepare – it's a good way to start the week on a high note."

In addition, New York City will feature a lineup that has impactful variations.

Jack Harrison, who made his debut as a reserve in the earlier derby with little influence, is now a starter and a welcome complement to Villa and McNamara up top. He is fast becoming a candidate for MLS Rookie of the Year. Frank Lampard is now a fixture in the midfield and has scored in each of his last two matches. Perhaps the most influential alteration was discovered through an injury to Frederico Bravo.

The holding midfielder in a 4-3-3 should be your most complete player – the quarterback of the attack who can stifle the counter with adroit positioning and ball-winning skills. Andoni Iraola, who spent a majority of his career in La Liga as a fullback, has provided the requisite qualities to trigger Vieira's vision in possession as a replacement for Bravo.

"He has been fantastic, and what is important in this position is experience," Vieira said. "Iraola is calm, composed on the ball, and he makes the simple decision. He brings us his tactical knowledge and understanding. I really like that Andoni is calm, and he's improved the team tactically. Sometimes, having young players in his position is good because they give you field coverage, but at the same time you lose a little tactical knowledge."

Translated, the 22-year-old Bravo, now fit to compete, will be in a reserve role until further notice. Vieira currently has more tactical flexibility in the midfield. Bravo and Mikey Lopez both provide a bite in the midfield, which offers value when protecting a lead in the second half.

New York City has had the advantage just once in the rivalry – an early McNamara goal at the Stadium last season. The match hastily tumbled the way of Antarctica for NYC in an eventual 3-1 loss.

It's time to put the Clasico into Big Apple Clasico! It appears both sides are equipped to present an entertaining, combative affair for a national television audience and the spectators at Yankee Stadium.

Throw-Ins

To accommodate ESPN, kickoff for Sunday's match is 12:28 p.m.

* * *

Kwadwo Poku was transferred to Miami FC of the North American Soccer League on Thursday.

"I know he was a fan favorite -- the fans, the players, even myself," said Vieira. "The decision is based on football. It's a good move for both parties. It will be good for Poku. He will be guaranteed to play every weekend, and he did not have that here."

Reports on the transfer fee range from $700,000 to $750,000. Poku can make up to $500,000 in salary and bonuses. His MLS salary was $67,000.

Yes, both parties made out quite well, although City supporters lose their Poku.

* * *

Vieira is good friends with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and spoke to him Thursday morning after Ibra made it official – he is joining Jose Mourinho and Manchester United.

"He's a winner," said Vieira. "He's a guy who can drive the team because of his character. When we talk, we talk about our families, about tactics and about football. I like him a lot."

Vieira and Ibra played together for two Serie A teams – Inter Milan and Juventus.

For all things futbol, please follow Glenn on Twitter at @GlennCrooks. You can also read his work at Empire of Soccer.

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