This may explain why both have been the stand outs for the team at the defensive end of the field.

My take? If they knew it was an illegal substance, this is well deserved. If it was an honest mistake, then this will highlight the “power” the MLS “players union” has – will they be able to reduce an excessive 10 game fine for a mistake? We shall see.

So let the speculation begin . . . playoff hopes over? Will the Red Bulls lean on Patterson or Cepero to take them to the promised land? And will they be enough? Can the defense take two huge hits like this?

Red Bulls fans – vent below . . . .

img credit: daylife.com

As I said after the Dallas game, chin up! The season is just getting started, and the boys are weathering the storm with effectiveness (save one set play goal by New England last week, the Bulls would be 3-1).

It wasn’t the prettiest game. But it was a win.

OBSERVATIONS and HIGHLIGHTS

+ Nevermind the historical stats – the fact that, in 3 games without Angel, Jozy Altidore has scored twice – that is a sign of growth. Especially in a game like this. He was practically ravaged on the pitch, and kept ticking, waiting for the right moment to pounce. 2nd half, he was like a different player – a striker who knew his time was coming. And it finally did. (yes, I regret not putting him into my fantasy team this week). He drew a PK, drew a yellow, and drew alot of attention. Still, he managed to find the net.

+ Kudos to one of my sentimental fav’s, Mike Magee, coming into the game late, and finding the back of the net on a Jozy drawn PK. He looked genuinely happy to be out there, and played a livly game with his precious minutes.

+ Claudio Reyna had an excellent game, and from what I understand, he was named the “Giants Stadium” Man of the Match. Good for him. I hate giving the same “little things” review, but Reyna has a way of stringing all of it together, and keeping the play as fluid as possible. An admirable performance by this teams leader. (btw – I HATE Nick Garcia for denying him his first goal. He deserved it.) And did you miss the way he fed Parke around the 65th minute? Should have been in.

+ We may be a better team with Magee and Reyna on the pitch, at the same time.

+ Jeff Parke nearly scored one, and he definitely saved a few for us in the back. More and more, he is becoming the leader of our back three (which is exactly what you want from your d-mid)

+ John Wolyniec leaves his heart out on the field. In many ways, he can show Jozy a thing or two about creating fluidity through passing between forwards. Sure, Jozy gets all the credit for drawing that penal, but Woly may have showed greater poise and versatility (particularly in the first half).

+ It was nice seeing Joe Vide again.

+ Red Bulls 19 shots, SJ – 5. Game over.

MAN OF THE MATCH

This was a toss up. Reyna had a strong game. And Jeff Parke is always an unsung hero. And Jozy was the definition of perseverance. But this week, I am allowing sentiment and admiration of hard work to take over. John Wolyniec was up and down the pitch, making all the right passes and plays, even feeding Jozy on a beaut of a goal. Like I said before, Jozy can learn from the ol’ vet. Good job Woly.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Can anything beat Jozy drawing the PK? If something can, tell me.

WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Nick Garcia, where did you come from? Did you just appear on the goalline, Star Trek style, beam me down Yallop?! How did you manage to keep that Reyna goal out of net? What the #$*&@ happened there?!

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Ryan Cochrane, for serving this game up on a silver platter for the starving Bulls. The goal had to come in at some point – I mean, how many corners did they have already?!

Through 3 games, we have had 7 relevant injuries and a red carded player in Jeff Parke.

That equals roughly 14.5 missed games by individuals on this team in 3 games. 15.5 if you include Parke.

Here is the breakdown:

Juan Pablo Angel

He misses the second game of the season and is taken out of the 3rd by halftime. Original reports state that it was a sore hammy, but upon further review, it is being called “nerve related” and is seeing a specialist for the injury. He is expected to miss the San Jose game and return for the Maple Leafs

Dane Richards

Dane is back in training this week after he was nearly molested by a bunch of rookie Austrians. We are looking at a 2-3 week return.

Hunter Freeman

Freeman was quoted by Ives saying that he expects to see minutes sooner rather than later – probably against the Maple Leafs. We keep our fingers crossed.

Eric Brunner

Training with a giant Dema mask on, Brunner is looking for minutes as he may be ready to go.

David Roth

The rookie is about 4 weeks off from being game ready. And with people dropping like flys, it couldnt come any sooner.

Jozy Altidore

Though more precautionary by Osorio than anything else, Jozy did miss a game to play with the reserves and prove his health (as is Osorios policy)

Marco Etcheverry

And here is the newest member of this distinguished group. Reports out of Montclair state that Marco will be missing 4 weeks with an LCL injury.

NOW WHAT!?!?!?!?

Well, I will leave the indepth stuff for the pregame preview. But I will say this – dont be surprised this Saturday if we are starting a few people that will earn their first starts for this season.

- Chris Megaloudis. He is from my neighborhood and is a footie legend there. He is electric, exciting and would add a great dimension to the attack if permitted to play.
- Mike Magee. Some people just need a shot to prove what they can do. Magee filled in so nobley for Guevara 2 seasons back. If he can recapture some of that magic and build on his game, we will have the playmaker we were looking for.

I would look for Eric Brunner to enter the game late as well.

Here is what could be the starting XI

———Altidore——–Megaloudis—
Van Den Bergh——Magee——–Sassano
———–Stammler—Reyna——-
Goldthwaite—–Parke————Leitch
————–Conway—————-

Look good to you? Give us your thoughts.

Jorge Rojas, 30, a Venezuelan National veteran with 78 caps to his name, and the infamous Chris Innes, former captain of the bankrupt and dying Gretna FC of SPL, are now on trial with the Red Bulls.

I knew there was a reason I waited till the 13th hour to put up my season preview . . .

Jorge Rojas, whom, if I recall correctly (should google this), assisted and scored a goal in 2 games against Haiti recently, is a left back or left wing – two positions we have coveted for quite some time. If everything falls into order, Rojas would be our starting left winger, moving Dave Van Den Bergh to the CAM role, and Claudio Reyna could join Seth Stammler for a devastating twosome in front of our defenders.

Now that is a step up!

As for Innes, he is actually participating in team training as I write this. He was a major reason for Gretna’s spell in the SPL from ‘05 – ‘08, being largely credited for the ascension into the big leagues of SPL, and being largely credited for their demotion (but only because he was injured during certain spells).

Though Goldie and Leitch played admirably against the Cows, a person of Innes reputation and credentials should be afforded the opportunity to see what he can do. Sure, people downplay the talent or talent level of the SPL, but how many do the same to the MLS? Who know – Chris Innes may be that missing piece to the puzzle that will create the formidable backline we have been dreaming of.

IMAGINE . . .

With these signings (cross those fingers!), they will have a team that could take them to the Cup.

——-Angel—-Altidore——–
———-Dave VDB————
Rojas——————–Richards
——–Reyna—Stammler——-
—-Innes—-Parke—-Freeman—
———-Conway—————

Appetizing no? DVB, as displayed Saturday, has no fear of taking a shot. He will be backed up by Magee. Reyna and Stammler will compliment a solid and experienced backline, which will make 1st year starter Jon Conways life much easier. The wing play, when healthy, will be some of the best in the league (backed by two solid rookies in Borman and Sassano). And with those starting three, we can have a bench with Goldthwaite, Leitch, Mendes and Brunner.

Not bad at all (especially in a league notorious for very little quality depth).

Looks like we may be flexing that allocation money-muscle after all!

Welcome to game 1! We are dealing with some injuries, starting up to 2 rookies, and are beginning our season a week ahead of everyone else. Good times.

The Cows are in town, headed by Schelotto, Moreno and Gaven.

Let the Mini Clasico Begin!

CURRENT STANDING:

We havent even played a game yet.
But whatever. Here goes:

……………………….PTS
Chicago ……………..4
Columbus ……………3
Kansas City …………3
New England ………..3
New York …………..0
D.C. United …………0
Toronto FC …………0

INJURIES:

Jozy Altidore – Day to Day – Bruised Knee
Hunter Freeman – 6-8 weeks – MCL
Dane Richards – 3 months – MCL

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Angel====Echeverry=======
Borman=====Reyna=======Sassano
====Van Den Bergh==Stammler======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Mendes===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ This game is referred to by many as the “Mini Clasico” with respect to the legendary River/Boca derby. This is based on the fact that Juan Pablo Angel was a River Plate player, and Schelotto, a Boca Legend.

+ Reports out of Montclair are that Jozy Altidore has hurt his knee. He is questionable for the season opener. This now makes three Red Bull players whom have succumbed to injury preseason, including Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman.

+ Red Bulls / Metrostars have never scored a complete three point opening game in their history.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Borman and Sassano v. Hejduk and Migliorenzi

The rookies take on a fierce tandem tonight. Hejduk is a stifling defender that will, as always, cause fits throughout the game. Migliorenzi has had a good preseason and is said to have matured greatly.

Borman will most likely be on a short leash if he shows a lack of pace – expect Dave Van Den Bergh to either move in, or Magee to come off the bench if this is the case.

Sassano has the tremendous task of replacing the speedy Dane Richards. Though he did show signs of brilliance this preseason, he must do it consistently against this tandem.

Echeverry and Angel v. O-Rourke and Marshall

With Altidore out, and two rookie wingers ready to start, Angel will have to rely on his creative skills more so than the ability of the wings crosses to net himself a goal. Former Metro O’Rourke and young stud Chad Marshall will be playing an extremely physical game with Angel for the full 90. The target will consistently be on him.

That is where Echeverry will be needed. Assuming he gets the nod over Wolyniec or Magee, Ech needs to create enough of an offensive distraction to free Angel from the assured abuse he will receive.

Schelotto v. Mendes

Nuff said. Schelotto is a crafty veteran with a deadly, pin point accurate cross. Mendes is a young defender learning his expanded responsibilities on the right side of a three man back line. It can be a recipe for disaster, or a proving ground for our young back. Cross your fingers.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls end their winless home opener streak, taking the Cows to Pasture, 3-2.

Goals by:
+ Dave Van Den Bergh
+ Juan Pablo Angel (2)
+ Guillermo Barros Schelotto
+ Eddie Gaven

Let me begin by saying – this is completely based on the team as currently configured. I know April 15th is right around the corner, and 2 signings can change everything, but this is the current situation.

With that said . . .

Lets begin with a Haiku . . .

Red Bulls 2008

We place all our hope
Into Osorio’s plan
May he guide wisely

SEASON PREDICTION:

12 wins 11 loses 7 ties (3rd in the East, 43 pts., Semi Final finish)

KEY ACQUISITIONS:

Juan Carlos Osorio (new head coach)
Zach Thornton
Oscar Echeverry
Eric Brunner
Luke Sassano
Danleigh Borman

KEY PLAYERS RELEASED:

Dema Kovalenko (you will be missed)
Clint Mathis (ditto)
Ronald Watterreus
Markus Schopp (not exactly KEY, but . . . )
Santino Quaranta (ditto Schopp)
Joe Vide (underrated, well trained CDM who will also be missed)

SEASON PREVIEW:

Nuts and bolts :

We left you last season at yet another brick wall performance against the team I love to hate – The New England Revo-losers.

There were our glaring weaknesses on display, for all to see. Lack of wing play. Mediocre play from our defensive wings. Absolutely no service to the most dangerous forward tandem in the MLS. And a big fat 0 on the goal side.

The list began to be compiled – we need an attacking mid, we need a left back, we need more service from the wings. We need, we need, we need.

So, in an attempt to better our course, we dumped Bruce Arena after a less than glorious reign as coach. In comes Juan Carlos Osorio, magic man who brought the Chicago Fire back from the dead (though I am sure there was some guy named Blanco who helped out situations). And all hopes were heaped on his shoulders.

The signings have been slim. The cuts have been drastic.

And here we are, days away from the first game of the season.

How much have things really changed?

The Stars

As previously mentioned, we feature the Dynamic Duo of MLS forwards – Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel (dont ask me who is Robin . . . ). Maybe 10 years ago, having that was enough to win an MLS Cup. But in this parity ridden league, you need strength on all ends.

In comes Captain America, Claudio Reyna. Reyna enjoyed a less than stellar year, with reports of a tumultuous relationship with Coach Arena making matters worse. Pile on injuries to this mediocre stew and you have Claudio Reyna, 2007.

2008, however, carries a more positive tone. Reports early and often have praised Reynas play on the field, where he is being asked to play a bit of CDM, his natural position, and CAM, the categorical opposite. And it seems he has been excelling in both areas, even if this display wasn’t quite visible in Carolina (last two games were sleepers, but he did play well in the first).

These are the teams stars, people who we will be relying heavily to carry this team.

The New Comers

Um. Zach Thornton and Oscar Echeverry. So we have depth at goal and the attacking spot.

Besides them, there is this years slew of draftees, headed by Luke Sassano and Danleigh Borman, both who may see time on the pitch as starters. Borman showed some magic in his crosses preseason. Sassano, grit. It will be interesting to track their development as the season commences.

But the most exciting new comer is Juan Carlos Osorio. He takes the cake. And he is carrying this teams expectations squarley on his shoulders.

Keep an eye on

Jon Conway. If anyone on the team is in the position of making this team float or flounder, its Conway. A life long career back up, many Bulls fans are skeptical of his ability to maintain his cool under pressure, come up with the big save, or simply maintain concentration on the pitch. Displays like last years Mendes back pass, or more recently with the mystery goal TFC’s Cunningham scored in the Carolina Cup that was in Conways hands, have fans begging for answers and hoping for the best. This will be Conways job to lose – all season long.

We’ll win the league if…

We avoid injuries, sign a key defender (Chris Innes), or a solid CDM to allow Reyna the CAM position (Lider Marmol). With them, and a healthy Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman, we will have the depth and talent to succeed.

We’ll be in trouble if…

We run into injuries. Why? Our depth cant take it. We will already be without Dane Richards till Summer. Ditto Freeman. We can not afford to plug in holes with rookie players. One more injury, and we will be looking at the Chris Leitches and John Gilkersons of the world to patch us up (in fairness, Leitch has looked ok this preseason).

The Beckham Factor

Will still be strong this season. If he stays healthy.

You might not know . . .

+ Play by Play of NY away games are done in studio, away from the field action.

+ Jozy Altidore had an offer from Reading as an immediate starter – and he rejected it.

+ Our only trophy? The La Manga Cup – a Soccer Resort in Spains club team preseason tourney

+ The logo featured above is the 2007 logo. I couldnt find the new, non-streaky one.

+ I am a Gemini!

Once again, Bulls fans everywhere were treated to a snoozefest of a preseason tournament game, as we managed to tie the supposed “lowly” TFC 1-1. And in doing so, we helped clinch this years tournament winner, the San Jose “We are Expansion, Remember?” Earthquakes. Sigh. We produced possibly one half of semi professional soccer. Thats it.

That aside, I realize “snoozefest” and “preseason tourney” are synonymous. I get it. But this team needs a motivational kick in the behind after 2-3 years of uncertain footing and certain mediocrity.

While Richie Williams has been coaching our sidelines, JCO is off in my homeland of Argentina, scouting talent, and by god, I hope he finds a gem (Maybe he can speak to Ariel Ortega, offer him a six pack and a 6 digit contract?). After watching what we have seen, with less that 2 weeks till our teams MLS debut, there is a lot to be desired.

These are some high (and low) lights of last nights 1-1 draw with the Mo-ple Leafs of TFC:

Some positives to build on . . .

+ I loved the fact that we were able to hold on to possesion for long clips of time, and that the pressure added up to a few crucial corners (which we couldnt convert, but still). If we continue to push up like that all season, we will find a few gems here or there to put in the back of the net.

+ Though we fell into the offside trap 841285198513813185153 times, we were at the very least attacking at all times.

+ Reyna, though he had a few micues, and bad passes this game, is filling the role of field general nicely. He is constantly shouting instruction to the backline, points to seams for the younger guys (Sassano), and in one glaring exhibition of leadership, within the first 10 minutes, he was moving the ball up, and Carlos Mendes was simply standing at his right hand side, not following the play. Reyna URGED him to move up. And when the play was over, Reyna was in Mendes ear about not doing enough. That is something we need more of from our Captain. Besides that, he played a major role in the tying goal, he had a few excellent crosses and perfectly placed corners that simply could not be converted.

+ Sassano also showed those flashes of brilliance that were rumored all offseason. Though he was silent in Charleston, he was loud and involved in last nights game. His memorable moment was a breaking move on the right hand side of the box, where he cut up 2-3 men to take a terribly weak shot from point blank range. Much like Richards last year, we must excercise patience with the kid, and it may pay dividends. He threw in some great crosses, and some not so much. Patience is key. He may be someone special to us this year (especially with Dane gone)

+ Do I really have to say Juan Pablo Angel played well? Doesnt he always? After getting fouled hard around the 35th minute or so, he retaliates, draws a yellow, and has a chip on his shoulder the rest of the game. Though he couldnt quite convert on his chances, Juanpi was more than a handful for TFC, and the attention they drew towards him left more playing room for an Etchevarry or Wolyniec to operate.

. . . And some Negatives to forget . . .

+ I, like many other Red Bulls fans, fear that Jon Conway, a career backup, can be the crux to our season. Last night, though a preseason game, reminded us all of that fear. Much like the infamous 40 yard back pass from Mendes to Conway that resulted in a goal, last nights 10th minute Cunningham score reminded Bulls fans everywhere of the oddity that is Jon Conway. Cunningham pushed the ball upfield, Conway has a beat on him with the final touch, gets his hands on the ball, and in an instance of pure confusion, Cunningham somehow gains control of this bobbled ball and taps it into the net. Ooooooof. Please, let this not be an omen of the new season. Though I know Big Zack can cover half the net just standing there, we cant rely on him to save our behinds this season.

+ Stammler looked very good, reliable, and focused out there most of the night. His one mental gaffe nearly cost us. As he held the ball, a streaking Samuel stripped him of possesion badly, and proceeded to completely divide and conquer our defense straight through the middle, and he takes a shot on goal, just wide of Conways left. That whole sequence looked too relaxed, as if TFC purposely lulled us to bed, and was looking for that one sneak attack. I am telling you – it could have been the difference between a 1-1 tie and a 2-1 thrashing.

+ One of my favs, Mike Magee, was EERILY quiet – so much so he was taken out for Borman to start the second half. Its a wonder to me what happened, but Magee can not afford more games like this.

+ The yet to be signed Etchevarry was also eerily quiet, or ineffective. How many times did he walk it into the box, with numbers, and either take an ill advised shot, or get stripped in the middle of a juke? Hell they bought in goal scorer supreme John Wolyniec to INFUSE some life into the offense. Not a good night for our potential CAM.

+ Woly was inside the box, all alone. What does he do? Well, his best Pele impersonation of course! Woly starts to dribble the ball between his legs to juke nobody. As the keeper moves up to stop what will eventually be a shot, the defenseman, who was about 15 yards away when Woly broke loose, caught up to the play, and helped block Wolys feable 2 – inches – from – the – keeper shot. Horrible. Thank goodness he netted the game tying goal.

+ The play of our wing defensemen, Mendes and Goldthwaite, was targeted again this game, and again, both men looked very shaky. Admitedly, I am not a huge fan of Goldthwaites playing style, but I have no bias towards Mendes, who simply is not showing the passion we have seen from him in the past. Jeff Parke is the only one really standing tall and holding those back three together.

+ Though corners were plentiful, they werent netted for points. That needs to change.

THE ROUND UP:

We need some stability on the wings. We need more patience and killer instinct in the box. We need some depth.

Now its time for JCO to see what kind of product we really have, and how badly we need an infusion of talent. Lets put that extra cap money to use, shall we? Before the season starts?!

BREAKING NEWS:

Micheal Lewis at Big Apple Soccer is reporting Dane Richards has suffered a mild MCL tear in a 1-0 Red Bulls loss against the Salzburg reserves. It seems that the contest was a “chippy” affair . . .

An excerpt from the article:

What transpired did not surprise Red Bulls captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna, who played in Germany for several seasons.

“I played in Germany and this is how it is always with Germans and Austrians, diving and cheats,” he said. “It’s how they are. That’s how they always play. It’s a shame.”

I will be updating you on the severity as we move forward, but this can put a major crux in our plans this season . . .

HEADLINES:

+ Claudio Reyna has been reported overall to be the top performer at camp. Whether it has been as a CAM or in his normal CDM position, his passing, vision and instincts seem to dwarf the achievements of the rest of the team. That is exactly what you would expect from your Captain, and leader.

Last season, I jumped off the Reyna bandwagon late in the season. He is a personal favorite of mine. And it killed me to do so.

This year, The Red Bulls Offside has thrown our (my) support back onto Reyna. We need him. Alot. And Captain America, under the new regime, will thrive. We hope.

+ Dave Van Den Bergh has also earned praise from Osorio as a viable option for the CAM position. I can see that happening. DVB is just too slow for the wing play. But a CAM? make a few tight passes, looking for opportunity . . . not bad.

+ Our best combination in Osorios 3 back scheme seems to be Goldthwaite, Parke and Mendes. Ives actually feels its Goldies job to lose.

What of Eric Brunner then? Well, he has been given good grades, but is a bit green, especially in such a heavily reliant 3 back position. So, the unforeseen seems to be occuring – Kevin Goldthwaite – starter. Wow.

+ Lider Marmol, a Paraguayan Midfielder (CM, CDM) has been turning heads at Salzburg, including firing a 30 yard blast in an interscrimmage game. Looks like a keeper! The problem? Chicago is rumored to have a discovery claim on him. Ah what a tangled web . . . .

+ Also in camp is Mexican CAM Jesus Mendoza, who is suffering from Mexico Primeraitis – he cant get adjusted to the rough and tumble, keep posession or get tackled game play of the MLS. From Lewis and Ives perspective, it seems that he has a long way to go to impressing the club.

+ I PREDICTED IT! Steve Cangiolosi will be joining Shep Messing in the booth. Yea, no brainer, but I DID GET IT RIGHT!

+ And by the way, Today is the compliance deadline for the salary cap. So good luck Alexi Lalas

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If there is any news on Dane Richards, I will be right there giving you the latest. This news is giving me a case of the MOOOONDAYS.

There really is alot to take into account going into Gilette this weekend.

First off, the New England team we saw exiting Giants Stadium with a draw is not the team we will see in Gilette. Thanks, once again, to the horrible playoff rules of this league, the first leg of the home and home is render meaningless, since all the visiting squad has to do is pack the box, play defensive football, and hope for the best. New England did that. And they escaped our home turf in excellent position to strike. Escaped is the key word. And Reis was wiping his brow all night long . . .

Hey, Steve Nicol did say he could neutralize our midfield. I am guessing he was right.

THE LINEUP

Though we looked strong out there, I would be less enthusiastic than mlsnet was in their description of last game – RBNY DOMINATE IN TIE. Lets relax a bit shall we?

Though we once again were playing some variation of a 4-4-2 meets a 4-3-3, I think something more traditional would do the trick.

A clean and even 4-4-2, something where Reyna and Dema could run the middle a bit if necessary.

=========JPA=======ALTIDORE=========
MATHIS===DEMA=====REYNA=====RICHARDS
DVB=====PARKE======STAMMLER==FREEMAN
===========CONWAY=================

Mathis needs to start. It takes a good 10 minutes to get his motors going. He can be subbed if he isnt efficient by the second half. he can drift middle, as always.

DVB can have more room for an open attack.

Stammler in, because of his strong play against New England. I know I have been a Mendes mark all season, but Stammler has earned the spot at this point. After a strong showing, the defense should not be tampered with.

And all in all, look at the balance on either half of the field. I think its a threat on either end.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN

Conway barely faced any shots last game. An early bombardment by the home team may be enough surprise to throw us off and take an early advantage.

And what if Waterreus is healthy? Then whom starts?

New England will be much more fluid in attack, and daring in their chances. This will not be a reply of Saturday for damn sure.

Our guys are in a situation where they may have been put to sleep by the opposition. Its like Brazilian football – they lure you in, let you believe you are doing well, . . . . meanwhile, they plot and scheme on the next counter attack, and the minute your guards are down and you are bored out of your mind . . . . BAM! Jogo Bonito.

We cant think we will face the same defensive minded Revolosers this weekend.

We have to be better than that. And we have to be on our toes. Constantly.

KEEP UP THE EMOTION

Did you see Coach Arena jumping out of his seat? Must have been the first time ever for most of us. We need that from our leaders, both on and off the field. Play with passion, but play smart.

==============================================

I will have more as the week goes on, but after 48 hours or so of sulking, its time to move on, and find solutions.

So much for pouring on the pressure.

That lasted one half. The first one.

And clearly, the second belonged to New England (at least, quality goal scoring opportunity wise).

Now, with a tie heading into Gilette, our backs are truly against the wall.

What is it about us playing against the Revolosers?!??!

Jeckyl and Hidden

So, who are we is my question?

Are we the first half juggernauts?

Or are we the second half clueless, grasping at straws, desperation in our eyes football squad?

Before the game, I really tried to drive home the point that TONITE was a night for GOALS! And the first half really drove home the point – Me and Bruce Arena, seamingly, eye to eye on strategy! But then the second half? Oof.

2 Big goose eggs.

Jozy put it best. At halftime, he was asked for his impression on their strong play. He simply said, and I am paraphrasing, “We didnt score so it was all for nothing.”

BRUCE ARENA

BRAVO on the gameplan

BOOS all around for the substitutions.

Sinisa in for Doe? What happened with Mathis?

DVB for Leitch – well . . . what can ya do . . .

But then . . . Mathis for Reyna? In the 85th minute?

Mathis needs some ball time to get something done. He should have been in for Doe. And Reyna could have been subbed for Vide, Drop Kovi in the dominant central mid position.

EDIT: Got another idea for a change at this point. Mathis in for Doe. DVB for Leitch is an unfortunate given. But then, why not Mendes in for Reyna, move Stammler up to Dema’s spot, Dema to Reynas. I dont know. Just did not like the change sequence.

We need the same spirit of the 1st half, in BOTH halves of the next game. If not, we are looking at another early exit.

And if we are in need of a goal yet again, PLEASE do not hesitate to press the CLINT MATHIS button. Because throwing a rookie into a match and expecting a win just isnt logical (unless that rookie is Dane Richards).

SO NOW WHAT?!

We are off to Gilette folks. And we have a week to think about it.

===================================================

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Claudio Reyna held down the middle of the field, and contributed to key defensive stops / step ins.
GAME GOAT: The Substitutes. Sorry. What else can I point at as a negative besides this? Substitutions were not what we needed at the times they were executed. I cant name Arena goat since, besides these subs, he was on the ball.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Matt Reis robs Francis Doe. That was the game.