No Rojas, Parke or Cichero? No Problem: RBNY 3 - Dynamo 0

By: Dave Martinez | August 24th, 2008

First off, I have to point out that Kevin Goldthwaite DID say that it would be harder to slice tomatos than to take down Houston. Nostradamus was in the house, as the defense, obliterated by injuries and suspensions, held the Dynamo to a 3- 0 shutout.

Coach Osorio, reacting to the losses in the back, relied heavily on some of the newer pieces in a 4-4-2 formation. Juan Pietravallo was a key destroyer in the middle for the Bulls, disrupting a Dynamo attack that looked in desperate need of Brian Ching. Diego Jimenez, making his Red Bull debut, also contributed to a complete back line effort.

But thats enough about the defense. After all, the Bulls did score 3 goals for only the second time this season, and they did it without Jorge Rojas. Who is to thank? Start with The Dutch Delight, Dave Van Den Bergh, who threw in a gorgeous cross in the seventh minute to the awaiting forehead of Juan Pablo Angel, who sent a laser into the top corner. Or with Angel himself, who was as cheeky as ever, trying chips, headers, and anything else to find the back of the net. Or Dane Richards, who created opportunity after oppotunity, and found the back of the net. Or The Phoenix, Mike Magee, who has now scored in his last three matches, and continues to shore up the forward lines, that desperately needed saving.

This isnt last months team folks. And in the MLS Universe, a well timed winning streak can help a team take it all. The Red Bulls continue their romp, as they head to DC next week.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Dane Richards. Though Mike Magees resurgence continues, Juan Pietravallo had a strong defensive game today, it was Dane Richards hard work and speed that created more headaches today for the Dynamo D than anyone. Twice he was pulled down in the box. At least once, he deserved a PK. Each shot he put on goal had purpose and threat. Look at the difference in the team, without Rojas but with Richards. Richards threat on the right almost makes up for the absence of the teams midfield general. And that says alot. Great game for the Jamaican international.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Mike Magee does it again, with the Red Bulls third goal in the 60th minute. He put the nail in the coffin of Houston, as he breaks Robinson on a long pass, feints left, and leaves Onstad yelling and screaming for answers. That goal makes me feel good. Way to go Magee!

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

Right before the second goal, Dane Richards was blatantly pulled down in the box. It was so ugly and obvious, yet not called. In a strong offensive day for the diminutive winger, that would have been a hell of a capper.

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Eddie Robinson. He seemed slower than usual, and was getting vicitimzed in the box time and time again. Bad game from the former MLS defender of the year.