The 2022 MLS season is here and the New York Red Bulls open on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes. Kick off from PayPal Park is set for February 26 at 6 PM ET.

Get to know the matchup in Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:

Keep It Up

The Red Bulls have outscored San Jose by a combined score of 12-3 in their last three meetings, including a 3-1 victory for New York in their last visit to the Quakes' home park.

New York will look to continue that trend to get the 2022 season off on the right foot with three points on Saturday evening.

Stop The Attack

New York is coming off an incredibly stingy season, allowing just 33 goals and notching 13 clean sheets. The Earthquakes were able to put 46 in the back of the net in 2021, so Carlos Coronel and crew will want to keep San Jose off the board to help ensure a victory.

Steps Forward

RBNY will look to see if a few of their players returning to the squad in 2022 will make an impact on the match.

After a breakout season in '21, John Tolkin will be seen as an important piece, not only on defense, but also going forward. Caden Clark returns on loan for the Red Bulls, and will look to return to pre-appendectomy form. Captain Aaron Long, back after an Achilles tear, will look to show everyone he's back.

Those names, and the rest of Gerhard Struber's team, will all look to take steps forward as the 2022 MLS season begins.