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First and foremost, does a good coach fit his players around a set formation or his formation based on his players’ skill set?  The latter seems to be the obvious answer; whether Backe will do the same is very much up in the air.  While there are currently trialists down in Mexico (who may or may not make the opening day roster), here is how the team looks to date:

Photo Courtesy of Metrofanatic.com

Does this team lend itself to a 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-1-2-1-2, 4-2-3-1, etc.?  Arguments could be made for a number of different possibilities, but I think a 4-3-3 would work best.  Aside from it being one of my favorite formations to use in FIFA 12, the amount of firepower New York has up front would seem to work well in the attack-minded formation, on paper that is.  Here’s how I would roll out my starting XI, for what it’s worth:

Vuolo

Solli, Holgersson, Conde, Miller

Marquez, Tainio, Lindpere

Richards, Rodgers, Henry

In a perfect world, Thierry Henry would have the flexibility to drift back into the midfield and collect the ball, allowing him to play distributor when the game dictates.  The pace of Dane Richards on the right flank speaks for itself.  Although Lindpere could be deployed at left wing, I think he’d be most effective running the game from a deeper midfield position.  His relentless work rate paired with the tackling ability of Tainio and the distribution skill of Marquez would be a great combination.  Coming off the bench, Backe would have the option to deploy Juan Agudelo virtually anywhere in the front three, and Kenny Cooper would be available to slide in for Luke.  With the likes of Dax, Mehdi, and possibly Pallson as central midfield subs, the long sought after depth for New York could finally become a reality.

What do you think?  Different formation? Different starting XI?  Lemme know down below or on Facebook or Twitter.

What formation do you think suits the Red Bulls best?

Soler Swag for days

After what can only be described as a highly disappointing season in 2011, the Red Bulls, and more importantly their front office, certainly had their work cut out for them.  A roster filled with so much talent but woefully underachieved had to be revamped somehow.  And it was Erik Soler’s job to fit together the right pieces to assert New York as a top team once again.  So obviously selling Tim Ream was the logical next step… Wait, what?

So yeah, we’re down an MLS All-Star at center back, but have no fear, in Soler we trust.  Now remember, the centerback tandem that Backe rolled with for most of the 2011 season featured Ream alongside everyone’s favorite DP, Rafa Marquez.  However, it’s been well documented that Backe plans on featuring the beleaguered Mexican international in the midfield (causing a bit of a discussion as to personnel at CM and possible formations, but that’s a topic for another day.  What that essentially meant to Mr. Soler was that, lest he start Stephen Keel and Sacir Hot at center back on opening day, two more defenders were certainly on the Red Bulls wish list during the offseason.

The first pick up came from, where else, Scandinavia.  The country of choice this time?  Backe’s homeland of Sweden.  Enter Markus Holgersson.  I’m pretty sure his job is just to be tall… and I think he’ll be pretty good at that.  The 6’ 2” Holgersson could prove to be a useful target for Red Bull set pieces, and perhaps more importantly, a stalwart on preventing set piece goals on the other end.  And we all know how that went last year.

The second piece of the center back puzzle came in the form of Wilman Conde.  Yeah, remember him?  He was with the Fiiiii-yerrr from 2007-10 and an MLS Best XI defender in ’09.  Everyone’s favorite tactician, JCO, brought him to MLS in ’07 and was rumored to make the switch to NY along with Osorio, but the deal never quite happened.  Now he’s finally here, but which Conde will New York be getting?  If healthy and at the top of his game, there’s no question he’d be critical piece in helping to solidify a leaky Red Bulls’ defense.  Color me skeptical.  I don’t know how healthy Conde will be nor his form, as he was not at his best last season in Mexico with Atlas.  His play will go a long way to easing the pain of losing Ream to the Bolton Wanderers, or exacerbating it.

As for the 2012 SuperDraft, Soler continued to place little value in picking up up-and-coming college prospects as exemplified by trading yet another pick.  This time, Soler got some insurance on the forward line after making a deal with Portland for Kenny Cooper.  Cooper scored 8 goals in 34 appearances for the Timbers last season, but apparently Backe thinks his was mismanaged by John Spencer and that he will be much more effective in New York’s system.  Backe claimed that Cooper was signed due to an uncertainty that Luke Rodgers and/or Juan Agudelo would return for the 2012 season (visa issues and transfer speculation, respectively).  Now, the Red Bulls have a plethora of attacking options that allows for plenty of variability in formation and personnel choices, as stated earlier.  Without the Gold Cup this year, Backe should have plenty of weapons at his disposal (safe from any injuries, or his own disdain of substitutions).

What do you think of Soler’s moves this offseason? Net positive or net negative?  Is this team ready to compete with the MLS elite for an MLS title?  Lemme know down below, or on Facebook or Twitter.

What grade would you give Soler’s moves thus far this offseason?

Don’t tell anyone, but New York have now won three of their last five matches.  I know, I know, try to keep it on the DL, don’t wanna let it get to their heads.  On a night where DPs such as Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane would not be a factor, it was the Red Bulls whose star power shined the brightest.

Once again, it was Luke Rodgers who got the festivities started with a goal off a rebound in the six.  Hey may not always score in the prettiest way, but who cares.  The fact is, New York is a different team with the Englishman on the pitch, and there’s no debating that.  Hey always seems to get the job done when his team needs him.  After his goal, New York controlled the match and there was no looking back.  As Backe said post game, it was perhaps the most complete performance of the season, and the Bulls sure did look impressive.

With Rafa Marquez back in the midfield for the second consecutive match, there were plenty of skeptics as to how he would bounce back after a subpar night at TFC.  Here’s your answer.  Say what you will about his off-the-field comments and apparent appearance to not give two shits, but the man can still get it done.  I don’t know too many players in MLS that would see that pass, let alone get it to Henry with a perfectly weighted ball (that chip wasn’t too bad either).  Rafa and Tainio paired well together, building attacks and spraying the ball around the pitch helping to unlock LA’s stingy defense.

Unsung hero of the match? Gotta be Dane Ricahrds.  We all knew he had pace, but he was absolutely tearing up the wing, burning by anyone who dared to stand in his way.  The difference this year is that the speedy Jamaican isn’t just sprinting to the end line and losing the ball (usually), but actually feeding his teammates and creating chances.  Runner up goes to Frank Rost, who continues to impress and justify his DP contract.  He’s shored up the defense and lead New York to yet another clean sheet. I’m trying not to get too excited about this result.  After all, this was a weakened LA side.  But you can’t tell me that this team can’t go out there and beat anyone in this league with a performance like that.  That was an team win, from top to bottom.  Could the Red Bulls be hitting their stride at just the right time?  Is this a turning point in their season?  Lemme know down below.

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P.S. I’m looking to sell three tickets to the Philly game in October.  Reach me by email, Twitter, or Facebook if you’re interested.

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What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Los Angeles?

Coming off a nice win, you’d think they’d have some momentum, but you know how the old saying goes, “One step forward, get in the car, pop it into R, put a brick and the gas pedal, and let it fly”… or something like that.  This team has uncanny ability to pick you up and throw you down; tricking you into thinking they’ll turn it around (or maybe that’s just me being way too naïve).  Playing against an in-form Salt Lake side, it wasn’t a shock to see the Bulls get out played (despite RSL missing their captain, playing at home, and coming off of a win).   The season now hangs in the balance, with a tilt against Portland likely to determine New York’s playoff fate.  Yet despite the magnitude of the importance of this next game, one player stole the show… and for all the wrong reasons.

When Rafa Marquez first signed with New York in the summer of 2010, he became the teams 3^rd DP (behind Henry and JPA).  There were high hopes for the Mexican captain and Barcelona star.  He offered a calming presence to stabilize the defense and distribution skills to hang with the best in the sport.  Upon joining the Red Bulls, he had a respectable year, but much more was expected in his first full year with the squad (and a return to his favored position at CB).

Then came the 2011 season, and the Rafa of old never showed up.  The only Rafa fans saw (when we have seen him, playing in only half of RBNY’s matches), was a lethargic, uninspired, and arrogant player.  He and Ream never seemed to be on the same page all season.  Their poor communication led to many goals conceded, followed by displays of disgust to his teammates.  He even wore the captain’s armband a few times, despite showing no signs of being a leader.

Fast forward to Wednesday.  Marquez missed New York’s match in Dallas due to yellow card accumulation, yet the team still got the win.  With Rafa available for selection against RSL, Backe opted to throw him back in the starting XI.  The Bulls came out flying in the first seven minutes or so, but it didn’t take long for RSL to get on the scoreboard.  For some reason, Teemu Tainio was marking Saborio on a corner kick, and was easily out-muscled by the Costa Rican and found the back of the net.  No one particularly at fault there, just a good goal.

The last two, however, are a different story.  On both of Espindola’s goals, Ream and Marquez left Frank Rost out to dry.  Ream inexplicably gave the ball away in the six for an easy tap in.  And in the 21^st minute, a lofted through ball caught the New York backline flat-footed, but don’t worry, Rafa was there to flail his arms in disapproval.  Top-notch stuff.

Post game, Dave Martinez of Empire of Soccer caught up with Rafa (who was booed mercilessly all night) to get his thoughts.  Here are some of his quotes (you can check out the full article here, video here):

• “If you watched the game, there were individual errors that you can’t do anything about.  If we look at statistics, I stole a lot of balls. I think I made two or three bad passes out of 30 plus attempts.  I almost didn’t commit any errors, so I am not worried. I think I am playing at my maximum level, and doing everything I can.  I don’t have, unfortunately, four defenders on my level that can help me out.”
• “Tim is still a young player with a lot to learn.  He still has quite a lot to learn, and well, he has committed errors that are very infantile and cost us goals.”
• “I think that this is a team game, and unfortunately, there isn’t an equal level between perhaps (Thierry Henry) and myself, and our teammates.”

Wow, I honestly was in shock.  You gotta have some big balls to say that.  Exactly how you’d expect a leader and veteran to act, right?  In all honesty, I would much rather have Carlos Mendes or even Stephen Keel start at CB.  They may not have half the talent Rafa does, but they’ll give you their all every time, and that’s something the stats won’t show you.  All of this is coming from someone who’s been in Rafa’s corner longer than most other Red Bulls’ fans.  Now, I’ve just about had enough.  If you watch the game recap, Luke Rodgers addresses the fans booing Rafa, and sticks up for his teammate.  Bet he said that before he heard how much of a fan Rafa is of his fellow teammates not named Henry.

I gotta say though, lots of credit to Backe for suspending Marquez for the Portland game.  It was the right decision and absolutely needed to be done.  It’ll be interesting to see how this affair affects the team tomorrow.  Do you think the team is better off without Rafa?  Has the Rafa Experiment been a failure?  Lemme know down below.

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P.S. I’m looking to sell three tickets to the Philly game in October.  Reach me by email, Twitter, or Facebook if you’re interested.

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What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Salt Lake?

Do you prefer Rafa in the starting XI?

The Red Bulls are fading fast.  Even with games at hand against many of their Eastern Conference rivals, the Bulls find themselves slipping farther and farther down the table.  This is the same team that many were debating to be the best MLS squad ever assembled; yet their playoff legitimacy is seriously in question.  Go figure.

Gotta say, it was great to see RBA sold out and rocking last night.  Despite the team’s struggles, the fans are still behind this team (for the most part) and are getting behind the boys in white in full force.  The match started off with a lot of promise, too.  The possession play seemed to be back and Henry smashed home a class finish from just outside that 18 that beat Sean Johnson to the far post giving the Bulls a 1-0 advantage within 10 minutes.

Despite their strong play, the Fire managed to put away their two first half chances and take a 2-1 lead into halftime.  In all honestly, I think Chicago may have had two or three chances all game… that’s it.  But that’s they way soccer is; take your chances and you’ll have a pretty good chance to win.  The Bulls had loads of chances but didn’t have much to show for it, that is until Dane found a certain Estonian in the box who one touched it beautifully into the side netting.

From then on, the Red Bulls had the lion’s share of possession and created chance after chance.  Yet with each missed scoring opportunity, you could feel the chance for three points slipping away.  Yeah, I’m just as pissed as you guys that the Bulls have managed yet another tie, but there were some encouraging signs from last night.

First of all, Backe made a sub before the 85^th minute and no one was injured.  Yeah, you read that right.  I nearly shit my pants when I saw bench activity so early in the match (by Backe’s standards anyway).  The addition of Agudelo was key as hey worked his ass off, perhaps with some angry energy after Richards started up with Henry in his place.  Surprisingly enough, I was also impressed with the Red Bulls latest pick up Stephane Auvrey as he showed a lot of energy off the bench coming in for McCarty.  He was tough to knock of the ball and won crucial challenges in the midfield.  He even had a few scoring opportunities in the waning moments of the match.   And just in case it hasn’t been said before, Henry and Lindpere are absolutely BEASTS.  It’s clear that the Frenchman is here for much more than just a paycheck and has played as if he has something to prove.  As for Lindpere, he’s proved time and time again why he’s my favorite player.  He refuses to be outworked and doesn’t back down from anyone.  The way he barked at the ref after his goal got me pumped.  He don’t take no shit, and that mohawk is filthy.

What did you think about RBNY’s latest result?  Does this team still have what it takes?  Lemme know down below.

Side Note: Open practice in NYC was awesome, Red Bulls should do this more often.  It’s pretty damn cool to see all the players up close like that.  I got some autographs, pictures, and got interviewed for the team site too… not a bad day if you ask me.  Bee tee dubs, check out the epic voice crack at 3:04, top class.

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What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Chicago?

Talk about a homecoming for Henry.  Amidst the Red Bulls struggles domestically, the Frenchman lead the first MLS team ever to compete in the annual tournament to a tie against his former club Arsenal in a gritty 1-1 draw.  After Joel Lindpere netted the lone goal in a win against PSG, New York was in position to take home the Emirates Cup trophy with just a tie needed against the English powerhouse.  And despite playing like pure dogshit against MLS competition, the Bulls rose to the occasion against superior opponents, taking it to PSG and Arsenal overseas.

While this tournament win will be seen Theirry’s time, let’s give credit where credit is due.  Not only did this team fly out to London just hours after the conclusion of the All Star game, but many then had to play two straight games without any reprieve.  Jan Gunnar Solli comes to mind as one of those grinders who went out and did his job despite the obvious fatigue that was setting in.  Much respect to those who put in 180 minutes over the two-day tourney.

Now the attention shifts back on the MLS schedule, with RSL on the tap.  When I was listening to the PSG-RBNY match, I heard the announcer say something about the Bulls winning just 12 of their last 88 road matches (correct me if I’m wrong).  Sounds about right, considering we didn’t win a match in all of ’09 away from the friendly confines of Giants Stadium.  New York are desperate for points, and there’s not much time left to do it.  Even with games at hand, New York are looking up in the Eastern standings.

Side note: I’ll be live blogging the match tonight, so stop by tonight about 8:45 and put your two cents in.

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Who is your MVP of the Emirates Cup?

The Red Bulls last two games have sent mixed messages, granted they were against very different opponents.  Taking on a rather weak Toronto squad, New York took it to Aron Winter’s squad with an emphatic 5-0 win.  Gotta say, it was pretty nice to see the offense firing on all cylinders.  Henry, Rodgers, Lindpere, and Agudelo all got on the board and all seemed right in the world of Red Bull.  Perhaps most importantly, New York posted a zero on the defensive end.  Yes, that’s right, a shut out for the Red Bulls.  Funny how in the beginning of the year, I actually had the audacity to believe that their defense prowess would hold up throughout the season; el oh el.

Then with DC into, the Scum played a rather solid game and pulled out a win courtesy of a Dwayne De Rosario goal (did you expect anything else)?  But hey, at least we got to hoist the Atlantic Cup, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought.  In a game where New York deserved to at least earn a tie, the Bulls couldn’t find a way to equalize and earn a share of the points.  And although De Ro’s goal couldn’t be blamed on poor goalkeeping, the damage had already been done throughout the balance of the year thanks to the less than stellar work of Bouna Coundoul and Greg Sutton.  With neither keeper proving to be dependable, Erik Soler made his move.

Soler delved into the depths of the Bundesliga and found German keeper Frank Rost.  At 6 foot 4, Rost combines the size of Sutton with the shot stopping ability of Bouna, but it all comes at a price.  The Red Bulls have filled their third and final DP slot to sign Rost, but it could be just what New York needs to get back on track.  At 38, Rost is hardly a spring chicken, nor in his prime.  But if goalkeepers have taught me anything, it’s that age does not define them.  You can look throughout the soccer world to see seasoned vets who still get the job done.  From the recently retired Edwin Van der Sar (40) at Man U, to Brad Friedel (40) at Tottenham, to Faryd Mondragon (40) right here in the MLS who as helped turn the Philly Bimbos into a quality team.  My only concern is how quickly Backe is throwing Rost into the fire.  After signing with the team just a few days ago, he will fly cross-country to LA and start when the Bulls take on Chivas.

What do you think of the new DP? Will the Red Bulls avenge their early season loss to Chivas?  Let me know down below.

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NEWS: There’s no place like home for the Tin Man Greg Sutton, who gets sent to back to his native Canada on loan to the Montreal Impact, his former team.

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Will the addition of Frank Rost solve RBNY’s defensive woes?

Can Backe right the ship?

The three-game winning streak of last month seems so distant now, doesn’t it?  For that matter, so does my last blog post, but that’s neither here nor there (but apologies, nonetheless).  The Red Bulls now find themselves in a precarious situation.  They are no longer getting the results that seemed to come so easily earlier in the season, and the defense has been suspect to say the least.  The same backline (for the most part) that let in just four goals through eight games has now seen their GAA balloon thanks to poor set-piece defense.  In fact, the last six goals scored against the Red Bulls have come off set pieces.  And with the Gold Cup calling away five Red Bulls away from club duty, this coming month could be a very telling one for the future of New York’s 2011 campaign.

Well let’s take a look at what I missed.  New York disappointed at home, dropping a 3-2 decision to a surprising Chivas USA team in which Justin Braun torched the Bulls for a hat trick.  The home team showed resilience in tying the game not once, but twice, but asking for a third equalizer proved too much.  Dwayne De Rosario got his first goal in a New York uniform courtesy of a PK and captain Thierry Henry continued his hot form, slotting home a wonder pass from Rafa Marquez.  In the end, set pieces doomed New York, as Braun was the beneficiary of some sloppy defending twice on free kicks.  In one night, the Red Bulls had conceded as many goals as they had all season prior.  This game may have been written off as a fluke, if not for the events that transpired in the next few weeks.

Then came the midweek friendly against the Montreal Impact, who will become the 19^th team in MLS next year.  The team traveled north of the border on short rest, which proved to be perhaps an ill-advised move.  The first team played a solid 45 minutes, but Carl Robinson left the pitch with a knock and would not return.  The Red Bulls fell to the Impact 1-0, in what didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, until we fast-forward four days…

Where the team finds itself in Robertson Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo.  Right off the bat, Dynamo killer Dane Richards took matters into his own hands, putting the Red Bulls up inside the first minute off a blast just outside the 18.  It seemed New York were controlling the tempo of the game until Will Bruin was sprung (from what looked to be an offside position) and was off to the races.  Rafa was fooled on a cut back and took Bruin down in the box.  Dynamo captain Brad Davis stepped up and made no mistake, leveling the score at 1.  Davis again bured the Red Bulls, this time off a corner kick, where Koke tapped in a ball spilled out in front by Greg Sutton, leaving New York reeling.  But just when all hope seemed lost, everyone’s favorite midfielder stepped up big time.  Backe’s favorite supersub Mehdi Ballouchy came in for a rather ineffective Juan Agudelo and promptly tied the game in the dying minutes off of a Joel Lindpere corner (yes, Backe listened to me, again).  That’s right folks; Mehdi Ballouchy saved us from the Rapture.  So the Red Bulls avoided their first losing streak of the young season, and returned home for another quick turnaround against the defending MLS Cup Champions.

Back home at the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena, New York was hoping desperately to get back to their winning ways.  The Rapids came to town looking to capitalize on the now seemingly mortal Red Bulls.  The game led to more frustration, but some hope for future matches as well.  Some poor officiating led to the Rapids getting a PK after Roy Miller committed a foul that was CLEARLY outside the box, but the referee pointed to the spot.  Jeff Larentowicz stepped up, and Sutton parried his shot away.  However, the ricochet sat up nicely for Larentowicz and he tapped it home to put the Rapids up.  In my frustration, I ran to the bathroom cursing under my breath and wondering what has happened to my beloved Red Bulls.  As I stared at the wall, I heard the crowd roaring and cheering, and Steve Cangialosi’s goal call.  Just my luck.  Literally moments after the PK, Henry leveled the score off of a nice feed from De Ro.  However, the lead didn’t last for long, as the Red Bulls fell victim to a set piece once more.  Larentowicz stepped up to take a free kick from about 20 yards out and slammed one through the wall and past Sutton.  The set pieces continue to be the downfall of New York.  Thankfully, Luke Rodgers would have none of it.  After latching onto a Roy Miller through ball, Rodgers chipped the oncoming Matt Pickens and knotted the score.  It was the fastest four goals ever scored in Metro Bull history.  From then on, the Red Bulls dominated possession and had their chances to get the victory, but failed each time.  With just three points in their last five matches, the Red Bulls aren’t looking much like Supporters’ Shield contenders.

Now, the Gold Cup possesses and even bigger threat with Tim Ream, Agudelo, Marquez, Richards, and De Ro all leaving to represent their national teams, New York will have to turn to their bench to get some results.  Vancouver is next on the slate, where the Red Bulls will have to be on top of their game to salvage points in a hostile environment.  What is a fair expectation of points while the team is missing so many starters?  Can the Red Bulls get back on track?  Let me know in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Is the Supporters’ Shield still attainable?online surveys

With both New York and LA leading their respective conferences, this early season clash of Supporters’ Shield contenders was billed as a match of dazzling DPs, East vs. West, Juan Pablo Angel vs. New York, Thierry Henry vs. David Beckham, Landon Donovan vs. Rafa Marquez, and so on and so forth.  From the first minute, everyone knew this game would be something special.  Both teams were out looking for three points and give credit to the Red Bulls for not being afraid to push their tactics despite playing on the road against a top team.

Their perseverance paid quick dividends as New York’s poster boy found the back of the net just four minutes into the match.  After Dane Richards played a through ball into the box (presumably played for Dwayne De Rosario, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt here), Henry latched onto it, rounded Donovan Ricketts and slotted it home to put New York up early and LA back on their heels.

The Red Bulls, who love to play possession football under Backe’s new approach, struggled to do so at the Home Depot Center on Saturday.  This can be attributed to the pressure that the Galaxy applied to the midfield all night, but more importantly, New York sorely missed their midfield rock, Teemu Tainio.  With out the Finn patrolling the middle of the park, the distribution just wasn’t there and the Red Bulls struggled to keep possession at times.  In place of Tainio was everyone’s favorite, Mehdi Ballouchy.  Clearly out of position in the holding midfielder slot, Ballouchy did not make his presence felt.  I would have rather seen Carl Robinson, who is a natural defensive midfielder, but Backe’s man-crush lives on.

The first half featured plenty of chances for both sides, but LA cashed in minutes before halftime courtesy of a Beckham-Donovan link up via a corner kick.  Beckham’s swerving ball found the U.S. hero on the back post who sent a header flying past Bouna Coundoul (with Roy Miller once again the culprit).  But it could have been 2-1 heading into the locker rooms if not for the play of Tim Ream.  Off of another feed from Beckham, Donovan latched onto a through ball and got by Coundoul who rushed out at Donovan.  With a wide-open net in sight, Landon pushed the ball goal bound, only to watch the hustling Ream sweep it away inches before the ball crossed the plane.  It was a brilliant save and surely saved a point for New York.

Perhaps my favorite story line from the night was the Donovan-Luke Rodgers banter.  After Rodgers had a run in with Ricketts,Rodgers went right over to the big Jamaican and the two had a good laugh.  Suddenly, Donovan comes running over, petitioning to the ref to have Rodgers sent off.  Never one to back away from a fight, Rodgers gets right up in Donovan’s face and lets him know what he thinks of his whining (presumably channeling his inner-Ray Lewis).  That move represents New York and endeared him to the fans even more.

The second half saw the pace of the match slow down and the scoring chances diminish.  DeRo and Richards both had good chances that they couldn’t convert, but LA had their fair share as well.  Overall, 1-1 is a fair result.  Given the cross-country road trip and the star power that LA has, there’s nothing wrong with being content to walk away with a draw.  What are your thoughts?  What do you think of the Rodgers-Donovan spat?  Are you ready for the August 28^th yet?
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What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Los Angeles?customer surveys

Luke's aeroplane celebration... yea or nay?

Take a deep breath folks; the Red Bulls took home all three points tonight… but just barely.  In a win that was very much different from the two matches that preceded it, New York played an incredibly strong first half that saw Luke Rodgers get on the board once again.  However, the second stanza saw a complete swing in momentum, with KC piling on the pressure and maintaining the majority of the possession.  Nonetheless, it’s a return to the top of the East for the Red Bulls.

With the South Ward rocking, the game got underway.  From the get go, New York looked like they had picked up right where they left off after their big wins against San Jose and D.C. United.  The Red Bulls played the same type of possession soccer that has characterized this team thus far.  They knocked the ball around and forced KC to chase the game.  By the looks of it, it was only a matter of time before the Red Bulls would get by KC’s infamously porous defense.

The Red Bulls would have their first chance after Dwyane De Rosario felt a tug on his back and dropped to the deck.  The referee pointed to the spot and a penalty was awarded.  With Thierry Henry missing their last and only PK on the season (opening day), it was Rafa Marquez who stepped up to try to give New York the early lead.  After a stutter step that fooled no one, Jimmy Nielsen dove correctly and stopped Rafa’s (rather weak) strike at goal.  Say what you will about Juan Pablo Angel beefing up his goal totals from the spot, but at least he converted them.  I say give the ball to DeRo.  He’s proven to be good in the past, and putting a goal under his belt might be just what he needs to start being another offensive weapon for New York.

Fast-forward to the 22^nd minute, where the Red Bulls would draw first blood.  After Dane Richards got fouled at around midfield, Teemu Tainio stepped up to strike the free kick, but Rafa played the ball forward quickly off the restart before Tainio got a chance to make his move.  He found Henry who played a clever one-touch pass forward to DeRo who made his run down the right flank.  Very reminiscent of his second goal, Rodgers collected the ground pass from the right side and banged it home to give the Red Bulls the eventual game winner.  From start to finish, the goal was a thing of beauty.  The vision from all those involved was something to marvel at, and the execution was picture perfect.

Throughout the rest of the first half, the Red Bulls kept the pressure and peppered Nielsen with shot after shot, but couldn’t find that second insurance goal.  With just the one goal advantage, New York headed back into the locker room, presumably feeling confident after a strong first half.

The second half would unravel much differently than the first, with Hans Backe removing Rodgers and Tainio for Juan Agudelo and Carl Robinson.  Both players received yellow cards in the first 45, but they also both picked up knocks that forced Backe to replace both players.  As the half went on, it became more and more apparent just how important Tainio is in the heart of the New York midfield.  Robinson filled in admirably and played a strong game, thwarting many KC attacks and working well with the back four, but it’s clear that he doesn’t have the same distribution skills that Tainio does, and the possession game suffered in his absence.  KC, who boast the league’s best offense (as well as defense) created opportunity after opportunity as Tim Ream and Rafa were forced into making some important stops.

Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara threatened the New York goal and kept many fans at the edge of their seats.  In a game where the Red Bulls seemed to have everything under control, they suddenly found themselves with ten men behind the ball, defending for their lives.  Bouna Coundoul played a sharp game, earning his 3^rd shutout of the 2011 campaign.  In the waning moments of the match, Ryan Smith burned past Roy Miller on the right side and sent in a dangerous low ball across the goalmouth, but Bouna came out to claim it, signaling the end of a hectic match.

Lost in the shuffle of the Red Bulls’ recent scoring explosion has been the stellar play of the defense.  Giving up just two goals in seven games is remarkable, and even those two goals came on flat-out blunders that could have been easily prevented.  Not the game I was expecting, but a win in any event.  The first-place Bulls head out to LA next week for a crucial, prime time match up with the Galaxy.  What are your thoughts on the KC match?  Who was your MVP of the match?  Let me know down below.

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