Injury Updates

• OUT: M – Bernardo Anor (left lower leg injury)
• OUT: M/D – Thomas de Villardi (left Achilles injury)
• OUT: D – Marc Burch (sports hernia surgery 6/20, out 8-12 weeks)
• OUT: GK – John Alvbage (right thumb)
• OUT: M – Sam Cronin (neck)
• OUT: D – Joe Greenspan (head)
• OUT: M – Rasmus Schuller (left thigh)
• OUT: D – Kevin Venegas (right thigh)
• QUESTIONABLE: F – Abu Danladi (right thigh injury)
• QUESTIONABLE: M – Miguel Ibarra (left ankle)
• QUESTIONABLE: M – Kevin Molino (left ankle)
• QUESTIONABLE: F – Christian Ramirez (right thigh)
• QUESTIONABLE: M – Johan Venegas (left thigh)

Training Notes

• The statuses of defender Michael Boxall and midfielder Sam Nicholson remain in limbo due to issues with visas and passports, but the team is optimistic about at least Nicholson being able to suit up for the match.
• Defender Joe Greenspan suffered his third concussion of the season in addition to a broken nose when he collided with fellow defender Jerome Thiesson during Wednesday’s match. Greenspan’s bad luck will keep him out of the side and will leave an already depleted backline another man short.
• Both Kevin Venegas and Abu Danladi are dealing with right thigh injuries, but the team is optimistic that Danladi will at least be available for a bench spot come Saturday.

Gaffer’s Quote

Adrian Heath on what makes NYRB so impressive: “I think they’ve got a very definitive style of play. It’s a little strange: I always talk about their shape, and the other night they changed it for the first time I’ve ever known them changing it. So that threw a little spider in the works in terms of preparing for tomorrow. But they normally play the four, with the two, with one underneath, [Sacha] Kljestan. They’ve changed it around a little bit — they’ve had to have a little change around. Obviously [Lloyd] Sam is gone on one side, [Mike] Grella has been injured. Dax [McCarty] is gone. But they still maintain their really good form. They started a bit off by their standards. A little bit inconsistent, but it doesn’t surprise me they're finally starting to get it together because I think along with Toronto, they’re the thick of the East.”

Marquee Matchups

• Sascha Kljestan vs. Kevin Molino: These two players with international experience have served as the playmakers for their respective teams, but they’ll have to tangle with each other on this outing. The midfielder who can most successfully neutralize his opposite number will likely come away with three points.
• Bradley Wright-Phillips vs. the backline: Last year’s top goalscorer in MLS will look to feast on an MNUFC backline that’s been in constant rotation due to international call-ups and injuries. A lot of weight will fall on Brent Kallman’s shoulders in this match.

Horseshoe Winners

• Every Friday, the team plays a game called horseshoes where teams of two set up flat cones roughly 20 yards apart. Teammates send lofted passes to each other with the receiver having to settle the ball in one touch before it hits the ground. Closest to the cone wins a point.
• THIS WEEK'S WINNERS: No horseshoes this week.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

T -- Davis + Brovsky (1) / Calvo + Ibson (1) / Thiesson + Danladi (1)