A Very Big Win: Red Bulls 4 - 1 DC United

By: Dave Martinez | August 10th, 2008

I told you the Bulls would score three didnt I?

A magnificent performance was put in by the home team, as the Bulls ran right at DC United, scoring 4 unanswered goals in a complete team victory. Juan Pablo Angel was huge as his midseason resurgance continues. Gabriel Cichero played his first game in MLS, and turned in an excellent performance, alongside Jeff Parke and Kevin Goldthwaite. His distribution and ability to clear danger kept DC off balance all night. Jon Conway, when called upon, came up big. Rojas kept the DC defense searching for answers all night. Van Den Bergh continues his excellent season, creating opportunities where none could be found. And much respect to Mike Magee, who turned in a vintage 2002 performance, taking close shots, and scoring on a great heads up rebound.

Like I said, an excellent team performance.

Now at 6-6-7, the Red Bulls face a midseason crossroads. Facing an important game against one of the worst road teams in TFC, the Bulls realize a win sends them back into serious playoff contention for the remaining third of the season. It will be interesting to see which team decides to show up next week after this big victory.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Juan Pablo Angel. No question. 2 goals on the night, and a threat the whole way through. But I do have to say - the combination of Magee, Rojas and Angel playing off each other created alot of opportunities. It will be nice to see how Osorio manages the top line in coming match ups.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Mike Magee scores just before the half. Its no secret to anyone that, though I may be at times critical, Mike Magee is one of my favorite Red Bulls players. And to see him putting up more of an attack, with some fierceness back in the eyes, and getting a goal - its a pleasure to take in. And its that goal that took the wind out of DC’s sails. They werent the same team there after.

WHAT THE @@&@%@)@(! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Brian Namoff and that dirty kick to Rojas calf. Its instances like this that serve to further build a rivalry. Namoff, frustrated with DC’s performance, decided to take it out on Jorge Rojas calf with a stiff roundhouse. Rojas immediately collapsed in crushing pain. And Namoff gets a yellow. It was blatant and deserved more.

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH