Keys to Victory: Red Bulls v. Dynamo

By: Dave Martinez | October 31st, 2008

I have to hand it to the Footie God of SBI, he has been covering the Red Bulls / Dynamo series like butter on a hot bagel. What has he taught us?

- Seth Stammler is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

- The Red Bulls are relying on past experience to assume that the Dynamo hate playing on the Giant Stadium turf/cement (as evidenced by the 3-0 destruction that took place earlier in the year). Dane Richards basically says what all of us have been hoping for - the Bulls are looking to run the Dynamo off the pitch. Sounds like a plan!

- Diego Jimenez, nursing himself through injury and fatigue, looks ready to be the starter, alongside Andrew Boyens, in the central defense. Good call.

With the facts well in grasp, here is what I think the Red Bulls need to do in order to win this series:

1 - Score at home, in bunches

Houstons playoff environment rivals some of the best atmospheres in MLS today. With that said, the Red Bulls need to do everything in their power to exploit the Dynamo at home. There is a strong belief that the Orange crew does not like the Giants playing surface - and who could blame them. So I would probably expect a bit more aerial play from the Bulls in order to take advantage of that bouncy, turf gone wild ball movement. That, coupled with a speedy lineup, would be the obvious gameplan. Take advantage of that, light up the Texan’s, and play that wonderful 4-5-1 to preserve your lives in Houston.

2 - Use this starting lineup

Or something like it . . .

=====Angel==Kandji======
=======Rojas==========
DVB=============Richards
======Pietravallo========
Gold=Jimenez=Boyens=Leitch
=======Cepero==========

3 - Don’t be shy to add more power!

Mbuta, Magee, Ubi and the rest of the boys will be chomping at the bit to get into this games action. The Bulls need to utilize their bench in a timely fashion if they are to take this one at home. Mbuta is a great threat, Magee has been hot nearly all year, and Ubi has a way of making great things happen. There is power on that bench - so use it.

4 - ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK

5 - Neutralize Dwayne DeRosario

DeRo has a way of making his impact felt when it counts most - the playoffs. Juan Pietravallo, Andrew Boyens and Diego Jimenez will have the undesirable task of taking out one of MLS most accomplished post season performers. Pietra has to do what he does best - break legs - but he must do it in a way where he doesn’t get sent off. Ditto Jimenez and Boyens. If DeRo is allowed room to create chances, this one can be sealed and delivered to Robertson.

And, to hold you all over, some quick predictions to shoot your way:

SCORE: Red Bulls 3 - Dynamo 2
Angel, Kandji, Rojas
Stuart Holden, Bobby Boswell