Five DP’s, Zero Goals; Red Bulls Tie Chicago On The Road

There were millions of dollars running around the pitch of Toyota Park last night, by far the highest investment in MLS history, yet no one was able to find the back of the net. That was the story in last nights game, as the Bulls went offensive on the road, but could not manage to buy a goal in a nil nil draw.

In a playoff like atmosphere, the Red Bulls shone a spotlight on the possibilities this team could create. Juan Pablo Angel continues to look like he has found the fountain of youth, creating the first scoring opportunity for the Red Bulls off a diving header that glanced left and into the hands of Chicago keeper Sean Johnson. Minutes later, the Colombian star found a streaking Thierry Henry jetting forward, who broke his defense and put a low shot on goal which was also covered up nicely. The Fire ended the first half with a little DP flashiness of their own, as Brian McBride lead a beautiful counter, running into the attacking third on the far right and sending a well placed, cross field lead pass to the foot of Freddie Ljungberg, who miscalculated the run and sent a sure goal well left of the net.

Consequently, the Red Bulls had quite a scare of a different variety. Thierry Henry was subbed out for Dane Richards after pulling up lame with a groin strain. Though it seems the type of injury typical of a man who has not seen playing time in months, the Bulls would take no chances on their Million Dollar Man’s dime, taking him out before the half.

The second half was pure Red Bull dominance, and it would take no time for the Jamaican right winger to prove his worth in Henry’s place. Off of a perfect lead pass by the newest Red Bulls DP, Rafa Marquez, Dane Richards used his speed and some clever foot work to break his defender, find open space in the box, and send a gorgeously delivered pass right through the mouth of the net, where an on coming Macoumba Kandji stutter stepped and ultimately mistimed a shot which was a sure goal. That was only one of a plethora of opportunities the Senegalese striker was to squander. Minutes later, Juan Pablo Angel sent a screamer on net, where Sean Johnson once again came up huge for his side, batting the attempt away.

Angel would continue his trigger happy ways. As the game came to a close, he sent a screamer just over the cross bar off of an Ibrahim Salou feed. Tim Ream decided to get in on the action as well. A well placed corner landed by Kandji, who calmed the ball and lead a pass back to the rookie defender, who turned, and put a scorcher on frame, where Johnson was once again ready and able to turn the shot aside. Not to be outdone by the rookie, the Cherubic Assassin would end the game on yet another dangerous glancing header that was turned aside for the Red Bulls final challenge on net.

Though this was, in many ways, a disappointing loss, the Bulls showed what their new signings and new attitude can produce on the pitch. Juan Pablo Angel is an inspired player once more with the quality the team has accumulated. Though his first half was clearly a mixed bag of results, Rafa Marquez showed how his vision and touch could be a dangerous asset for the team, especially through his play in the second half. For all his misses last night, Macoumba Kandji is proving to be a handful for defenders, and a consistent threat at net. And the midfield, in general, is beginning to take better shape.

Add a point in the bag, and one could say the Red Bulls walked out of Toyota Park, winners.

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