Excellent Effort on the Road: Red Bulls 1 – Revolution 1

By: Dave Martinez | June 18th, 2008

After the DC game, I was calling for changes – even if it went as far as benching Conway a game – to do whatever it takes to wake this team up. But Osorio took it to another level, and it nearly paid off with a W. An excellent effort by the midfield, good stand up play by Goldthwaite and the backline, and the Bulls were one mistake away from a win.

Unfortunately, that mistake happened.

Osorio decided to be daring and challenge his team, making five changes to the starting 11, including a 4-3-1-2 formation, Dane Richards at forward, Mendes and Stammler at CDM, Ubiparipovic on the wing – even letting Parke ride the bench (which was shocking to me) in favor of a Boyens / Goldthwaite tandem.

Cojones.

And had Boyens properly covered Ralston, the Bulls would be walking out of Gillette winners. A beautiful Stammler goal could have served as the end of the Gillette Jinx. But New England had other ideas (as usual).

Either way, it is a very encouraging game on the road, and a hard fought tie. The Bulls showed a chemistry and fluidity that just hasnt been there in weeks. Looking forward to Saturday, will it be enough to take down Cooper and FC Dallas?

MAN OF THE MATCH

Seth Stammler. He wore the armband and played the role of Captain well. Hard nosed play, hard fought balls – and a goal to boot. Stammler is quickly becoming my favorite player on the team..

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Dane Richards goes down. The team was really gelling in a way that they havent done all season. Then Richards takes a hard hit from behind, tweaks his ankle, and the Bulls are forced to make a change. The hit was distracting enough to begin a New England march to goal, concluding with a poorly defended Ralston goal.

WHAT THE $&*!&$&$! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The New England Goal. I may not be the biggest fan of our Kiwi, but it looked to me that Andrew Boyens should have been there to disrupt Ralston. It was such a well fought game, one that the Bulls deserved to win (again) but one mental lapse costs them the game (again).

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Oscar Echeverry. The best play on the attacking side happened opposite of Echeverry. Richards was the attacking catalyst, while Echeverry many times seemed stagnant or just plainly out of the games play. Coming off of an injury is clearly affecting Echeverry still, as his game decisions seem tentative. Moving forward, a healthier, gamefit Echeverry will be counted on to carry a larger load for this team.

Some Related Red Bulls Posts:

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Dave Martinez

Titi still has a future overseas. Riquelme is a head case, and would probably find the MLS beneath him, even if he was playing in it, and would most likely cause any coach that dealt with him fits (how can that multimilliondollaregomaniac take orders from a, say, Frank Yallop?).

And as far as Ronaldo CG - I would definitely wait a year on that, especially since bringing him to Giants Stadium will just compound his problems.
NoLayup Rule

Id like us to offer a nice chunk of cash to Riquelme to come here. Hes getting old and might be into it. A boy can dream cant he?

Oh, and there was that persistant rumor about T. Henry ...
CG

So his website says we offered him a contract already in 2006 and he turned us down. Anyone else heard this and does anyone think he would be good at NYRB?
CG

You know, and you all can blast me for saying this, if his knees heal properly I wouldnt mind seeing RONALDO coming to red bull, i think over here would really revitalize him. Blast me if you will, i know ppl dont like him, but he said he wouldnt mind playing in american late in his career and i cant see ac milan hanging onto him much longer

Just my opinion!
Dave Martinez

Somebody or Anyone would be welcome additions my friend ;)
CG

anyone would be nice
Dave Martinez

CG - my idea is the best one - sign somebody good - quickly.
CG

yeah, good job for them playing hard and hanging in there. I still think a forward should be our #1 concern. Anyone got any ideas? We obviously have some money to spend
NoLayup Rule

Im praying that this team can leave the injury bug behind it when it leaves the green concrete of Giants stadium behind too!
dave Martinez

NLR - always on point. Now let's hope your back from injury predictions come true.
NoLayup Rule

Im just loving the effort level Ive seen the last 2 games. This team could have folded under the injuries and trade of Altidore but we've played harder than ever!

Im very excited to see the impact of the returning Angel and Renya. And am hoping that Richard's injury is nothing serious.

That said we still clearly need help basically everywhere on the pitch. The RBs play hard but they make these painful mistakes in the defensive side that open up scoring opportunities for better teams to exploit. And we've seen that with horrific consequences recently as well as last nights loss of 2 points.

still, a fine effort and a fine result.

ps. forza azzurri!
CG

I agree with you dave. I would start meg and eche up front. until we get someone else (are we even looking??) we might as well give both of them a chance to earn their shirts.
Dave Martinez

Forward is definitely the way to look. And Mike - your not the only one who feels Boyens still needs to earn some NY respect!

But the team had no attacking bite - and by the time Mega was inserted (congrats kid!) the play was already dying down (from the Richards clip).

We should start off with Mega next game and Eche, to get both of them into game shape and see what they can produce. Though a tad unfair due to his injury, Eche has shown nothing yet to say that he is an answer. Like I said though, some playing time will awaken him.
CG

I really think we have to start actively making inquires into forwards. To me, that was obviously our weak point last night.
mike.

Boyens was actually looking somewhat alive for most of the match, for once. Is it wrong of me to feel that I won't actually start liking him until he starts drawing some fouls and cards? Stammler absolutely man of the match, with our boy Freeman showing up as well. The Revs goal at 79 hurt but I'll take the tie, if only because this wouldn't feel like "our" team if they weren't playing a perfect .500.
Dave Martinez

They deserved the W for sure.

Andrew - would you prefer Boyens over Parke?
BMatt

How did they pull this one out? I'm pumped, even if it cost me some money.
This gives me hope for the rest of the season.
andrew z

thank god parke was benched hes been awful.