Disgraceful; Galaxy 1 – Red Bulls 0

By: Dave Martinez | May 3rd, 2009

The struggling Red Bulls gift wrapped a win for the Galaxy (their first of the season) behind a questionable hand ball and a lifeless performance. Once again, the Red Bulls came out in an extremely defensive 4-5-1, with Angel trotting the top third all day, and Mac Kandji lost somewhere on the left wing side (not to be seen most of the night). And with this dreary performance, the Red Bulls end their disgraceful road trip 0 – 3.

There is something to be said about placing your players in a position to take a win. With one shot on goal, and a lineup that screams talent, but a formation that screams fear, the honus of blame can only be placed on Coach Juan Carlos Osorio. It is almost inconceivable for a team to take such a defensive position against a side that has proven absolutely nothing this season. But that is exactly the tactic that was chosen, and that is where he placed his pieces.

A quick example would be splitting up the dangerous tandem of Angel and Kandji in the face of a slow paced Gregg Berhalter and one of the most porous defenses in the league. Or once again trotting a different side and formation on the field. There has to come a time when this team and its brain trust simply says “Lets play our game and have the other team beat us, not play to their level.”

This defensive style has also begun to effect the overall psyche of the team. The battle was played in the midfield, but everytime the Bulls pushed up the middle, it was as if a switch would hit in the players head, and a back pass to the defense became the most prudent move. As an example of this, Rojas either had a horrible game, or was once again forced to play midfield ball thanks to this “everybody back” mentallity. The team has been playing so much defensive football that it almost seems it has forgotten how to go on a confident attack!

Yes, one could say a suspect call cost them the game, but how many “what ifs” can this teams possibly scapegoat? Sooner or later, the fingers have to start pointing back at themselves.

The season continues, back at home against the Earthquakes.

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Dave Martinez

I thought Celades looked sharp out there for the most part. Very fluid in his movement, but again, I dont want to get carried away on a glimpse of his game. Alot of people are doing that with Carlos Johnson, thinking he may already be a bust, but I think his play in LA was a consequence of the entire system. I believe he has some skill that the Bulls have yet to tap into. Overall, both look promising in my humble opinion.
Larry

How did Celades look in your opinion ? 5 goals in 8 games, equals johnny appleseed snooze
nathanhj

Dave,

I appreciate your anger and frustration with your team, but I wanted to point this out:

You said, "A quick example would be splitting up the dangerous tandem of Angel and Kandji in the face of a slow paced Gregg Berhalter and one of the most porous defenses in the league."

We just completed week 7. In that time, of the 15 teams in the league 11 of them have let in more goals that the Galaxy (7 or one per game). The three teams with better GAA's are: Chivas, Seattle, and Houston.

The Galaxy aren't a top tier team this year, but the defense is no longer "porous".

Just sayin'. 8-)

Your blog buddy, NathanHJ
Dave Martinez

I will agree on one underlying theme - these games have been an absolute snooze fest. And to think weeks ago terms like "track team" and "midfield depth" were being ballied about like Khano Smiths crosses. I havent seen that speed, intensity, or depth for that matter so far. These games have been the definition of why Americans choose to label soccer boring and unwatchable.
Larry

He must go. Come on. New stadium. Do you want to watch this type of football. It's boring. They are under utilizing the vast talent they have. Pacheco, Johnson, Rojas, Kandji, Angel, Stammler..and some of the other guys are very good MLS talent..and they have 1 win. If it was the same line up, I'd blame the lads..but the coach is inconsistent, not only game to game, but sometimes within the game (i.e. DC United). He's a boring coach, he makes our sport boring and unpleasant to watch.
Shane

I hate saying this, but I almost wish we didn't make the Finals last year. Besides that 3 game run we had in the playoffs, Osorio has done nothing. Since joining the team, he has a losing record. I don't want a coach who doesn't play for the win.
Luis Y

Maybe someone should buy Osorio a copy of Fifa 09 and tinker with the line ups there to see what works.
Ant

i got vilified when i said JCO should be fired after the first couple of games on here. but ill say it again he has sucked since last year, sucks this year and we will continue to suck until he is gone. The man has no tactical creativity, he refuses it seems to adapt his game plan even when it doesnt work. The fact of the matter is i wish i was wrong i wish that he proved me wrong because then we would not be such a joke this year. well i have been vindicated and it sucks
Eddie

They have no offense attack. It's a real joke already.
Chris

I've been giving Osorio the benefit of the doubt, but I think the time has come to place all the blame on him for this season. The team has no attack what so ever. Even playing a 4-5-1 a team should manage more than one shot on goal. I don't think the formation is the problem, I think its his coaching, its way to conservative and I don't think he understands attacking football. You can't blame the players, the team is stocked with talent. I'm real close to calling for Osorios head.
Striking21

its amazing. It eats up a ton of time but if you have the patience and you like the tactical side of the game you would enjoy it. Its also fun bringing random DP's to the red bulls. First I had van bommel, then julio cruz, coupet and finally keita.
dave martinez

Yo striking - how is that game anyway?
Striking21

For whats its worth I have the Red Bulls in first place in football manager and we just won the Superliga lol
karlomabo

WE NEED A NEW COACH!!!!
Dave Martinez

George - Force of habit. ;) Good looks.
George

Sorry man, but there was no red card.
cb

Good post, Dave. You see the problems, but Osorio can't and won't. It's his clueless arrogance, the conviction that he's genius. Hate to break it to you, coach, but that's just blinding self-flattery.

In a phony sound byte in response to the inexcusable DCU defeat, Osorio said: "Hopefully everybody is responsible enough to draw the necessary conclusions.'' That's what everyone is wondering, coach. Are you responsible enough to draw the necessary conclusions? We doubt you can overcome your denial and stubbornness to address your mistakes.

If you need them spelt out again, your usual mistakes are: making players play out of their natural positions (Kandji’s not a winger, Pacheco’s not a CB, Richards is not a striker … the list goes on), starting inferior players (Smith at all, Rojas, Pietravallo as sole DM … you know, the failures you picked), playing JPA as a lone striker (check your notes, chief, we loose every time when so easily marked), and changing formations and line-ups unnecessarily (let’s face it, you’re no tactical genius).

Look up from the scribbles in your notebook, Osorio. Winning MLS teams and their coaches don't make these mistakes. Consistency with needed adjustments wins the day.

Actions speak louder than words.
Matt Conroy

Well said, Dave. So so frustrated with this team right now.