Gameday: #NYvNE

HARRISON, N.J. – Good afternoon from Red Bull Arena, where the Revolution will face the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Final at 1:30pm. Weighted road goals are once again in play, so it won’t be surprising to see the Revolution to step on the accelerator again.

What’s at stake: Both teams are looking to seize momentum in the first leg and use it to their advantage in the second leg. But there are other interesting storylines in play. For the Revolution, Sunday’s match is an opportunity to exorcise the demons that have haunted them at Red Bull Arena, a place they’ve never won in six tries. For the Red Bulls, they’ll be looking to avoid the same fate that previous squads suffered to the Revolution, a foe they’ve never leapfrogged during their three postseason meetings.

Weather conditions: It is a comfortably mild afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 55 and sunny here in Harrison. Dry weather is expected to be the rule for the afternoon.

Strong road support: The Revolution organization provided bus transportation to over 1,000 traveling supporters for today’s contest. They are seated in the upper bowl, but the red New England flags are being waved with plenty of fervor already. Additionally, a number of New England-based media members were issued credentials.

Officials: Allen Chapman will be the man in the middle. You may remember that he also refereed the last clash between the Revolution and Red Bulls on Aug. 2, a game which saw Matt Miazga red carded right before the break. In addition to the ejection, Chapman also issued three cautions. Craig Lowry (bench) and Jonathan Johnson (opposite) will serve as assistants, while Chris Penso will be the fourth official.

Caution watch: The following players will be suspended for the second leg if they receive a caution in Sunday’s contest: NY: Dax McCarty, Ambroise Oyongo, Bradley Wright-Phillips … NE: Jose Goncalves