POST GAME: Meltdown in the Meadowlands

By: Dave Martinez | July 27th, 2007

Tis the season!

I get to go fishing, take the boat out, bbq in the park, hang out with friends, BREATHE the fresh air . . .

And with yet another meltdown in the meadowlands during our hottest months, I can finally proclaim, for all to hear . . .

THE SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED! METRO STYLE!

RECAP

The movement was good (especially without Dane Richards there), and the midfield was communicating. Our strikers were hitting posts. Our coach tried something different with a 4-3-3 formation, and compensated nicely for not only a Jeff Parke injury, but an unforseen Carlos Mendes illness which forced him out of the game. So what the hell went wrong, for us to get shut out, at home, against a horrible road team?

The Bulls had the best of most of the play, especially the early play, highlighted by a JPA Post ringer, and a header save by Guzan. Stammler and Leitch were our central defenders on this night (yes, I just said that), and they were not bad. What they did not have in skill, they compensated for in speed (see Marvell Wynne)

I also have to give props to Vide. Though I still believe, even more so now with the illness of Mendes, that Dema should have been starting on the pitch, Vide filled in admirably.

As the game progressed, there were midfield battles, ebb and flo. Again, I can not say that the boys played badly, but a loss is a loss.

The 4-3-3 looked good in spots, but with Quaranta out, it leaves us very thin up top. Who do we bring on as a sub? Randi Patterson? That is a huge drop off.

What Now?

One of the announcers (Tommy Smith was it?) said that the Red Bulls were the WORST passing offense in the league. Did it help to have a 4-3-3?

Angel needs service. The only one that MAY be able to give it to him is Reyna, whom has not only been streaky, but he doesn’t even fit the mold for someone who COULD service him!

So instead, we compensate. We throw three forwards up front, and hope and pray that catching rebounds for put aways would be our shot. It didnt work.

Arena Quote:

“We created a lot of chances and we just couldn’t score,” Arena said. “The first goal was good enough for them and they kept us off the board. The three-forward formation wasn’t good enough and I just wanted to see how it looked.”

If we need a capable winger, we have to start looking for something NOW. And if you readers have some suggestions, PLEASE leave them here. Trade suggestions, foreign acquisitions – whatever. We need someone to get the ball up front (WHY did we not get Barros Schelotto?)

And Conway, god bless em . . . when he is in a San Jose uniform next season (yes I predicted it!), we can all look back at him with fond memories . . . for now we are all just wondering . . . how do you let in that Kljestan goal?

The Bulls are looking for a much needed rest this coming week. We have time to tinker in practice, try different formations, give Schopp and Waterreus more time to heal, hey who knows, we may even see Mike Magee (remember him?).

As always, you see, it isnt the summer if Red Bulls fans aren’t hurting. That pain and disappointment IS as SUMMER as 90 degree heat, Coney Island and corndogs!

GO BULLS!

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david m

Sorry for the damn filters Tommy, but excellent comments man. Really good insite.
Tommy Wong

I was watching the game while making hamburgers, and I was just astonished that we couldn't get on the score sheet. Vandenbergh seemed so out of it, and Jozy wasn't keeping pace from some sort of injury. When the second goal happened, I was really really amazed. Bad play by Conway, and they just counter-attacked so well. The counter-attack seemed very similar to the 3-3 draw with the wizards. They just get a break away. Maybe our centerbacks are too slow? I don't know. But also, Reyna shouldn't be playing in the defensive midfielder role that Arena plays him. When he was playing in Germany, and in England, Arena played as a midfielder, or an attacking midfielder. But during the world cup Reyna suddenly played in the CDM, when we were coached by ... oh that's right Bruce.

As far as an acquisition may go, I have a few ideas.

An international acquistion:
Daniele Dessena, young, 20 years old. Plays for Parma and has good pace and positioning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Domestic:
Maurice Edu
He's been doing really well for Toronto FC, and I feel he would be a good addition to -any- team.

The 4-3-3 formation with attacking wingers sucked, the 4-4-1-1 wasn't bad. But quite honestly, and I know this may sound a little strange but, I think the red bulls need a sweeper to clean up the shit that the CB's can't handle.

Either a 1-4-1-3-1 or a 4-2-3-1.

Either which way Angel is the lone man up front. He can handle it, but he needs better service.

For the formations I'm not even going to give a lineup for the back 4, because with injuries, and trades, it's just too hectic.

1-3-1 formation

---Freman---
-Richards-Reyna-VanDenBergh-
---Angel---

Freeman as the defensive midfielder. He has much experience as a midfielder, and obviously has very good defensive qualities. I'd pull him out of the back 4

You could sub out any of the 3 midfielders for Jozy, Mathis, or Wolyniec switch them around. 6 Good potential midfielders, and Mathis, Jozy, and Wolyniec can all score goals.

Angel up front for obvious reasons

2-3-1

--Freeman--VanDenBergh--
-Richards--Reyna--Jozy---
---Angel--

After watching VanDenBergh play for a couple weeks, I saw that he has really good defensive capabilties, and wins the ball well on the sidelines from middies and fowards. He'd be able to make a good run foward, and let the defensive line do their job (like not letting any more Chivas or Wizard breakaways) Again, Wolyniec, and Mathis can be used as subs.

In closing, I think Arena is a pretty bad coach and doesn't make good formations, positioning decisions. He doesn't work well with youngsters. Also, there needs to be more through balls played to Angel. He doesn't get many touches on the ball per game, and that's a problem. Also the players for RBNY need to fucking take the shot. I can't believe how many times I see some people in the box and all they need to do is turn and shoot, but instead they pass the ball like it's a game of hot potato, lose the ball with tons of guys pushed forward and get scored on, on the break away.

aggghh. Frustration.

~Tommy.