10 Men, No Problem: NYRB 2 – TFC 0

By: Dave Martinez | August 18th, 2008

The Red Bulls are on a winning streak. In August. I swear.

With some gutsy play in the face of adversity, the Red Bulls lost their two defensive anchors in Parke and Cichero and still managed to blank the Canadians 2-0.

The first half was utter domination by a hungry home side, as the Red Bulls made Sutton work for the money. Time and again, the Bulls knocked on the door, only to miss (barely). Finally, it was Mike Magee, who cracked former Metro Marco Velez neck on route to a beautiful goal (Good on you Mike).

The second half was immediately marred by a garbage red card for an alleged intentional elbow by Gabe Cichero. The Bulls fell back into a defensive posture, and brought in Dane Richards for a bit of an offensive threat. And boy did it work. In garbage time, Dane sprung Angel loose for the simplest tap-in in goal scoring history (for the record, Dane could have put it away too).

The homestand continues this week as the Bulls face off against the 2007 MLS Champion Dynamo.

MAN OF THE MATCH

The Phoenix, Mike Magee. It took a few months, but I believe its safe to say that after 2-3 years of spattered play, Mike Magee is finally back in game form. The difference has been night and day for Magee, who struggled mightily for playing time in the middle of this season. Now, he has become a vital part of a possible team resurgance. The way he has been taking shots at net, and cracking defenders necks, how could he not be MotM? Excellent work.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME

Mike Magees goal was enough to carry the teams momentum through a ridiculous red card, and some scrappy Toronto play. It took the wind out of the visiting teams sails, and Toronto, through personnel changes and tactical maneuvers, could not find the back of the net.

WHAT THE $!)*($)!@*@#$ MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Gabe Cichero was fighting for the ball in the air, and a very innocent elbow found the face of TFC player. Terry Vaughn, in all his reffing wisdom, calls a straight red on the Vinotinto back. Replays showed the innocence of the jump ball. Vaughn didnt see it that way. Thanks alot.

SPECIAL ED !*$&!&$ OF THE MATCH