RED BULLS @ CHICAGO preview (Saturday @ 8:30, FSN)

By: Dave Martinez | September 14th, 2007

As we continue to hedge the .500 mark, a huge game lurks just around the corner . . .

Chicago and New York renew their rivalry for everyone to see, on Fox Soccer Channel . . .

HEY! WHATDOYASAY!!!! YA GOTTAGOTTAGOTTA GET IN THE GAME!!!!

Preview:

THE CENTRAL MID v. THE FIRE ATTACK

Now, if the current trend continues, we will see Stammler and Parke once again manning the middle. With a game like this, assuming we achieve some success, they can quell the rumblings of the Metro fans everywhere with their desire for the return of Mendes.

And lets face it - with Wanchope, El Gran Cuat, Rolfe and the rest of the boys awaiting in Chicago - Stammy and Parke can shut everyone up if they shut down that offense.

As the Stammler / Parke connection continues their effort to build chemistry down the middle of the field, they will have to keep a close eye on that attack. If one decides to push up (which is usually Stammler), the other will have to cover, fall back a couple steps. One false move on our part will result in a ball crossing the plain, most likely off a brilliant Blanco pass.

Cuatehmoc has already proven what he can do in this league - and that is why he is the most fouled player in here. Just look at him and Schelotto getting into it last week. . . .

Again, with one solid game, and the fickle nature of our fanbase, Stammy and Parke can change the mindsets of fans everywhere, and make Carlos Mendes an excellent option off the bench. Shut down Chope. Shut down Cuat. Shut up the fanbase. Gain respect. Earn those spots.

WOLY or DOE ?

Francis Doe has shown an excellent spark in his playing style. Woly gives us a large presence and holding partner to Angels flair. Altidore will probably sit one more game (in my humble opinion). So who gets the start?

Well, with Alti gone, we would be lacking a tad of speed and touch up front. And that Chicago D is all about hacking people - so Woly would once again lose his legs if he started, as he did last game.

Start Doe. Let him play. We could use the speed and creativity up top, with Jozy out.

NOW LETS SAY . . . .

That Altidore and Mathis are not available to play. What should the lineup look like against a formidable Chicago team?

=======Doe====Angel=======
Mike Magee=========Dane Richards
=======Dema====Reyna========
DVB===Stammler===Parke==Leitch
========Waterreus============

=======Doe====Angel=======
Dema=============Dane Richards
=======Vide====Reyna========
DVB===Stammler===Parke==Leitch
========Waterreus============

In either formation, I would say push Dema or Magee (when playing on the wing) up front in the central attacking position, leaving Vandy room to feed. We would still have some valuable pieces on the bench as support (Magee, or Vide, or Dema would be at any point, along with Mendes for the D, Freeman for the wing play, and Woly to throw up top if anything.

CHICAGO INJURIES

Justin Mapp and Segares are out for this game. Mapp adds creativity to the offense, though we wouldnt know how well with Cuat and Chope since he hasnt been around much. Segares loves tackling folks . . . which will protect our already fragile legs.

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Prediction:

RBNY 2 - 1 FIRE

Goals by:

Angel, Reyna (hey why not. he has played tons better lately)
Rolfe for Chicago