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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?

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?

Leading up to the Dallas match, the season outlook was bleak.  With the Red Bulls fading fast and coming off yet another disappointing tie, it looked like there was nothing to look forward to in these last few games.  To make matters worse, New York would be missing four starters (Henry, Marquez, Solli, and Miller).  Not exactly a formula for success.  Luckily, FCD had some issues of their own, playing without Brek Shea and Marvin Chavez.  But for the Red Bulls, this game was more about returning players than those absent from the pitch.

Making his triumphant return to the starting XI was the Tank, Luke Rodgers.  Plain and simple, the Red Bulls are a different team when the Englishman is playing.  He worked relentlessly up top with fellow strike partner Juan Agudelo and netted the game’s only tally to secure the win for New York.

Rodgers exited at halftime for precautionary reasons, and the Bulls immediately went on the defensive.  Thank God for Frank Rost.  The man was a beast between the pipes.  Up until now, he’s been a bust, but on Friday, he showed just why he commands DP money.  He made some huge stops to keeps New York in the game and played the role of general, directing a makeshift (and All-American) backline.  Gotta say, I was impressed with Stephen Keel.  Yeah, that’s right.  He held his own, made some big stops, and sent a nice through ball to Agudelo to set up the game winner.  Mendes also filled in admirably, playing out of position at left back.  I don’t know about you guys, but I wouldn’t mind seeing last year’s CB combo of Ream and Mendes again, maybe put Rafa in the midfield (because you know the bench isn’t a realistic option).

When all is said, it’s a big step in the right direction.  New York still has two crucial games this week against RSL and Portland.  6 points from those two would do wonders for their playoff hopes.  As of today, the Bulls have the tenth and final playoff spot, but DC and Portland are on their heels.  The home stretch is here, how will New York respond?  Lemme hear your thoughts 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 Dallas?

Will the Red Bulls make the playoffs?

But before we move forward, let’s look back on the Top 5 plays thus far as voted by the fans.  Do you agree with the order?  Did the fans miss a top play?  What gets your vote for #1?  Lemme know down below.

P.S. My snubs include Henry’s amazing run and finish against Portland (with great passing from Lindpere and da Luz), Rodgers’s sidewinder rip against TFC, and Tainio’s goal line bicycle clearance against Portland. (Henry’s goal vs. Fire gets honorable mention for looking like he was using a finesse shot in Fifa 11).

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A season that started with so much promise is all but lost now.  After starting 4-1-2 in their first seven games and looking like the class of the league, New York is a pitiful 2-5-14.  Henry said it best after last weeks draw against the Fire, claiming that they are not where they want to be, but where they deserve to be.  Speaking of Thierry, where was he last night?  Oh, that’s right.  His inflammation flared up again.  Shocker.  Get this: the last two Red Bulls road games on turf (Seattle and Vancouver) Henry was absent as well.  I’d put my money on the Frenchman missing out the TFC road trip as well, but that’s just me.

Once again, the Red Bulls have a very clever way of making a tie in a must-win game seem almost acceptable.  This tactic, of course, is accomplished by not giving in a shit in the first 45, then playing actual soccer in the second half and grinding out two goals to walk away with yet another draw.  The fact of the matter is, it’s unacceptable.  Regardless of all the missing players, the Bulls still had plenty of talent to handle the lowly Revs.

God, there are so many things that pissed me off about last night, I can’t even begin to collect my thoughts, but I’ll start with Rafa.  I’ve been in his corner throughout his tenure here, and despite all the criticism he’s taken over the years, I’ve remained confident in his play.  But that’s just it, it’s not his play I’m concerned with anymore, it’s his effort.  Seriously, does he even give a shit anymore (if he ever did)?  Wearing the captain’s armband, you’d expect him to take a leadership role and command the backline and reinforce his teammates.  The only thing I saw last night was the Mexican bitching at the ref constantly and blaming others for his mistakes.  For the amount of money he’s making, it’s unacceptable.

Then there’s the Ballouchy-Backe love affair.  Jesus, does this piss me off.  The guy is shit, that’s all there is to say.  He’ll have a few nice touches on the ball, then give the ball away on another fucking back pass to no one in particular.  Once Auvray came in, the game seemed to open up more and the Bulls attack was more fluid.  Backe, please, take this fool of the pitch permanently.  He’s had chance after chance to prove himself and he simply hasn’t cut it.

Perhaps the only positive to take away from last night was Dane Richards’ brace.  His return to goal scoring is a sight for sore eyes.  He was the beneficiary of a great ball over the top courtesy of Tim Ream for his first and calmly tapped in from close in the 87^th off of a Joel Lindpere cross.  Dane said after the game that he predicted he’d score a hat trick before the game.  Almost, Dane, almost.

New York’s playoff hopes are looking slimmer and slimmer by the week, and although it seemed unfathomable at the season’s inception, we may just witness a post season void of Red Bulls soccer.  Without Tainio next week (red card suspension), New York’s task of beating a hot LA side just got even tougher.  Will New York find a way to make the playoffs?  Is this season a total flop?  Lemme know down below.

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What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against New England?

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?

Thanks to an own goal and some inspiring football from Thierry Henry, New York finally snapped their winless streak and finally took home the full three points.  Now, before we move on to the tilt against Portland, let’s look back on winless streak.  First off, the Red Bulls were a very depleted squad for the majority of their streak and the bench depth was severely tested.  They showed fight several times in drawing with some tough competition and managed to salvage points in places where other teams may have walked away empty handed.  I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t extremely frustrated with their set piece defense and their inability to close out games, but at times like these, perspective is everything.

With the 2-1 win over the Revs, New York will now look to continue their winning ways on the road, starting with their match against Portland.  With the return of DeRo to the starting 11, the Red Bulls will have that much more of an attacking threat.  And with USA and Jamaica going at it today, the Red Bulls are guaranteed to get at least one more player back (Dane Richards or Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream).  Although the Timbers’s record isn’t all that impressive, they are certainly a team that can be dangerous when given the opportunity.  Keel and Mendes will have to be at the top of their game once again, and let’s hope Sutton doesn’t have to field any more PKs.

So fear not Red Bulls fans, the worst may now be behind us.  As with any streak, it’s important not to get to high when things are going well, and not too low on the opposite side of the spectrum.  How many points are you expecting on this road trip?  Gold Cup predictions?  Let me know down below.

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