Preview: Red Bulls Host Chicago

By: Dave Martinez | May 22nd, 2009

OVERVIEW

Juan Carlos Osorio is desperately trying to take advantage of this four game homestand. The Bulls have dug themselves into such a deep hole that this prolonged stay at home could mean the difference between playing golf or getting in the playoffs. I know that seems like an overstatement with so much time left, but MLS teams are much more competitive now adays, and those easy wins are few and far between.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire, have done well this season (first in the east), but far from the lofty expectations thrust on them this offseason. Though they have been affectionately deemed “The Tie Machine” by some fans, they do carry the threat of the leagues leading scorer, Brian McBride, along with one of the most lethal midfields around. Osorio and the Bulls will have their hands full as they try to gain three points at the swamp.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

It only seems fitting that this weekends clash against the Chicago Fire hold so much weight. Over the past two years, the Fire have been an absolute thorn in the side of the Bulls, taking 4 out of 4 games from them in that time frame. It might have something to do with Juan Carlos Osorio ditching them like a prom date who didn’t put out. Lucky guess, I dunno.

If you are curious, the Bulls have been beaten by the Fire 1-0, 1-0, 5-1 and 5-2 in that time span. The latest defeat probably felt like the worst, as the Bulls could not produce one solitary goal, playing a man up for most of the match, causing the team to fall flat in Chicago.

This game is key to the Bulls. They are on one of their better stretches of the season, which isn’t saying much, but it is a stretch that can be built upon. They are 1-1 in this homestand and can ill afford to drown in mediocrity anymore than they already have. Chicago, ever the opportunist, may be looking to take this shot to bury the Bulls further in the East standings. In doing so, they will further strengthen their standings. Just because they have a plethora of ties this season doesn’t mean they haven’t achieved successes. It only means that they are coming out of the majority of their games with a point. Chicago looks to bolster its standings, while the Bulls desperately attempt to crawl out of the gutter.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physicallity. Lots of it.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Albert Celades. With Rojas and Johnson missing the following two games, the honus of success in the midfield falls squarely on Celades shoulders. It will be up to him to keep the attack fluid in the midfield and, perhaps, get his teammates involved in the action as well.

Brian McBride. The leagues leading scorer has also become an inspirational leader for the Fire. McBride going up against Petke and Goldthwaite will undoubtably be the match up of the night.

PROBABLE STARTING ELEVEN:

RED BULLS:

——-Angel–Kandji———
Borman–Celades—-Ubiparipovic
———Stammler———–
Pacheco-Petke-Goldie—-Hall
———-Conway————-

CHICAGO:

——-Nyarko-McBride———
Thorrington-Blanco-Pause-Pappa
Prideaux-Soumare-Conde-Ward
———-Busch————–

PREDICTION:

RBNY 1 – 1 CHICAGO
(Kandji, Nyarko)

PREDICTION RECORD: 2-6