Feast or Famine; A Tough Stretch Lies Ahead

By: Dave Martinez | June 2nd, 2009

After a dreadful start to the season, the Red Bulls had the entire month of May to right the course of this drifting franchise. Instead, they choked under the pressure, squandered their opportunity, and left their four game home stand in practically the same position they entered it, if not worse. It wasn’t for a lack of effort mind you; they just can not find the right formula to win.

Now, the season will take a hard turn for this suffering team. As we spoke about before, the Red Bulls schedule for this year is rather unforgiving, clumping home games and away games in large stretches. The Bulls enter the next test of the season, with seven of the next nine games on the road, leading to the All Star game.

It is no secret how dreadful the Bulls have been on the road. And if you take a look at the fixtures, it will get no easier. The next three away games will feature the classic DC derby, and dogfights against Toronto FC and New England. The Bulls come back home for a game to play the Seattle Sounders. Then back on the road they go, again to Toronto FC, down to the 2008 champs home in the Columbus Crew, and a trip to Dallas. FC Dallas appears to be the only “easy” match on the schedule, but at this point, no game is a given. They round out the trip with a home game against the Galaxy (which will most likely feature Beckhams long awaited return), and a trip to Conor Casey’s house in Colorado, right before the break.

If the Earthquakes, Dynamo, Fire and Rapids were a challenge at home, it won’t get any easier on the road.

This is why the game against DC is huge. Traditionally, RFK has been the place were Metro dreams go to die. That trend will have to stop this Thursday, or this season will be that much closer to a total loss.

Do you think that is an exaggeration? Put it into perspective; the Bulls currently have 7 losses on the season. The most losses a team carried into the playoffs last season was 11. That team? Your New York Red Bulls. With 18 games remaining on the schedule, the Bulls will need to win or at least gain points in 14 of those games just to sniff their way into the postseason. And the way things are looking, the chances are slim.

It will take a complete reversal of the teams current losing culture, and a domination of it’s road fears in order for them to pick up some much needed points. It will take an attacking mentality on the road that the team really hasn’t shown under Juan Carlos Osorio, excluding last seasons playoff dismantling of the Dynamo. Basically, the Bulls will need to tackle this road trip with a new mentality. Every minute of every game has to be the playoffs for these guys. If not, they will drown in their own mediocrity.

img. credit: dallas morning news

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Steen040

Joep is lekker,, :D
NoLauupRule

Im not in favor of dumping Osario. Im a fan of the players hes brought in and Im willing to ride with him for the season.

I am not a fan of his formations or lack of consistancy however.

And as far as this team goes they deserve everything they are getting. Its not like I can look at many moments this season where they played well but got screwed. Granted the red cards and lack of calls were there. But the RB's lack of aggression on offense and lack of concentration on defense make for a team that well deserves its record and its horrible schedule coming up.

I have no sympathy. They are gonna have to be more professional and learn to win on the road just like everyone else in this league. Man up, this is how it is. Start scoring some stinking goals already. we clearly cant rely on defense.

and to Osario this I direct. defensive lineups have not worked. Midfields who hang back are not getting it done. we have strikers with skill, get them the ball. Almost no one in the MLS can defend worth a damn so take advantage
Dave Martinez

I read Angel singing Osorios praises not too long ago. I think the coach has friends in solid places. Would be surprised to see a move this season
cb

we're toast. the team's cooked for the season. call me a glutton for punishment, but i'm going down to RFK to witness the ritual slaughter anyway. i still support the team even when they stink. pass the basket of clothespins, please.
what interests me at this point is:
will we drop smith, as we should, before his contract is guaranteed?
who will we bring in during the summer transfer window to replace oduro and smith?
will we drop osorio, as we probably should, and who will replace him?