A Budding Rivalry Continues; Houston visits Red Bulls

By: Dave Martinez | May 15th, 2009

OVERVIEW

The Houston Dynamo have enjoyed a good amount of success and respect since their inception to the league. But there has been this one itch that they haven’t figured out how to scratch yet. That itch? Your New York Red Bulls.

The first encounter between these two clubs was a chippy battle in Houston, featuring a midair head clash between Danny Cepero and Kei Kamara, resulting in a concussion for the former. And that was not all. In total, there were 27 fouls, 6 yellow cards, 2 ejections and a partridge in a pear tree. With the Bulls stealing a point on Orange soil, you can expect a defensive, but not tepid Dynamo.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

The Dynamo are riding a dominating three game winning streak. The Bulls are coming off of their first true dominant performance of the season, looking to build on the momentum. What makes this all the more important for the Red Bulls (2-6-2) is that they need to build off of that win in order to turn around their early season woes. With three games remaining in the swamp, and a long road stretch on the horizon, a loss here could cause a snowball that no Metro Bull fan will want to see.

WHAT TO EXPECT

All indications are that Osorio will likely employ the same midfield diamond 4-4-2 formation, with a tweek here and there. Word has it Richards may be finding his starting spot again, after this past weeks benching. Expect Celades to man the pitch as well.

As I said earlier, Houston will come out defensive, but don’t expect them to lay down for anyone. This three game streak signifies their best stretch of games since the season started. Brian Ching is heating up for the Orange, as is Stuart Holden. If the Red Bulls can maintain pressure and avoid mistakes, they could take this one from under the Dynamos nose.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

JORGE ROJAS – This weekends breakout performance was the Jorge Rojas many Bulls fans have been waiting for. With two goals heading past Joe Cannon, expectations have been raised for sure. And, with Albert Celades looking to get a nod as well, will Rojas be able to find that rhythm once more? Much of the Red Bulls attack may depend on him.

RICARDO CLARK – Ricardo was the player I chose to highlight for the last game between these teams, and for good reason, he gets an encore. Clark has the ability to disrupt a midfielder like a true destroyer would. With the Bulls riding a small wave of confidence, Clark could really do much by knocking them down a peg.

POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUP

Houston (4-4-2)

Ching, Kamara
Mullen, Clark, Davis, Holden
Hainault, Cameron, Boswell, Mullrooney
Pat Onstad – Richard Mulrooney, Bobby Boswell, Geoff Cameron, Andrew Hainault – Brian Mullan, Ricardo Clark, Brad Davis (Corey Ashe 83) – Stuart Holden – Kei Kamara (Chris Wondolowski 94+), Brian Ching (Ade Akinbiyi 85). Substitutes Not Used: Mike Chabala, Tally Hall, Julius James, Craig Waibel

New York – 4-4-2 (4-1-2-1-2)

Angel, Kandji
Celades
Rojas, Richards
Stammler
Pacheco, Petke, Goldie, Johnson
Cepero

PREDICTION