Countdown To Extinction? Answer The Poll . . .

By: Dave Martinez | October 2nd, 2008

This is what stands in the Red Bulls way, right now, from making it to the 2008 Postseason.

- TFC at home this weekend.
- Then, away to Utah to face RSL in the grand opening of their new stadium.
- Back to New York they go to face the dangerous playoff bound Columbus Crew.
- And what a better way to end off Osorios first season as New York head coach then to play at Chicago.

This playoff push isn’t getting any easier folks. And that loss to the Rapids has put the Bulls in dangerous position of missing the postseason. Facing perhaps the only team in the league that has one foot in the grave already, New York has to press hard and beat back their northern rivals if they would like to hold on to any post season hopes. TFC means that much.

TFC Wants To Win

And don’t think TFC wouldn’t love to drop RBNY a peg. Yes, they are still technically in the playoff hunt, but there could be more driving the Canadians. Mind you, Toronto has become the misfit island of Former Red Bulls. Marvell Wynne. Hunter Freeman. Todd Dunivant. Tim Regan. Amado Guevara. Mo friggin’ Johnson! Do you think that one of them might possibly have a chip on their shoulder? Just maybe?

This is a dangerous game. A trap game in every sense of the phrase. The “lowliest” team in the league, gasping for their post season lives, against a team they would love to sink. Watch out boys - this is not a team to rest on.

THE REST OF THE WAY

Real Salt Lake is looking to kick off their new era at Rio Tinto Stadium on a high note, and at the Red Bulls expense. Then, Schelotto and the Crew are in town to set up the the nail that Chicago will hope to hammer into the casket. Lets be realistic folks - there is a good chance the Bulls could be on the outside looking in, especially against these quality sides. They wasted an opportunity to boost their position in the table against Colorado. A lack of passion and defensive fortitude led to a costly loss. A repeat in history will mean a very difficult road ahead.

From here on out, every game is a must win. And there is no more room for experimentation or mistakes. Moving forward, the objective should be establishing a concrete, steady starting 11 for the final four games. Create the chemistry that will lead to victory! Its time to put all the pieces available in concrete rolls. Save for Dave Van den Bergh, who should be back by next week, and a toss up with Magee and Kandji up top, I see no reason at all why the team couldn’t roll with a consistent lineup. For example:

======Angel=====Kandji/Magee=====
===========Rojas===============
Mbuta===================Richards
======Pietra=====Stammler========
====Goldie===Parke===Cichero======
===========Conway=============

Rojas needs to go back centrally. If this was Guevara in the same position, it wouldn’t even be an issue. The attack needs the steady presence of its engine. And Angel needs some consistency and balance up top, whether its Kandji or Magee in the spot. The backline needs also more time to gel, and if it means putting Cichero at center over Parke, so be it. Time is short, and these decisions are critical to the Bulls aspirations.

Though they have a points advantage, the odds still seemed stacked perilously high. What are the Bulls chances, in your eyes, to make the playoffs this season?

And for your listening enjoyment . . . . COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION by MEGADETH!