Second Trimester Review

By: Dave Martinez | August 21st, 2008

We are now 2/3rds the way in! Lets take a look at our last 10 games.

OVERALL: 7-6-7
LAST 10: 3-3-4

The Second Trimester (and Juan Carlos Osorio)

The Red Bulls took an nose dive in the early part of the last 10 games. Amounting only one win in the first 6 (which included two heartbreakers with a 4-1 loss to DC and an equally embarrassing 4-0 loss to Colorado), the 1-3-2 Red Bulls looked destined to collapse. With years of August collapses in the history books, Bulls fans and observers alike would be more than fair in assuming the worst.

But then came Juan Carlos Osorio. The first trimester was marred by a lack of offseason roster movements, and injuries, which immediately put the dilemma on Osorios back. Though he managed to get the most out of his team through the first 10, the impending doom was felt coming rapidly, and it manifested itself in a midseason slump of epic proportions.

When the transfer window was reopened, JCO showed us exactly why he was brought in. Almost a night and day transformation, he brings in the Venezuelan Captain, Jorge Rojas, to fill our CAM roll. Gabe Cichero and Juan Pietravallo have proven to add a bite this team has not enjoyed since Dema and Stammler of last season. He also shored up the defense with the signing of Diego Jimenez, and has brought in a wave of trialists in an effort to solidify the side. He has even been able to bring Mike Magee out of his funk (imagine what a little bit of support can do for a guy?)

Single handedly, he has changed the season around. The past four games have featured a 4-1 win against DC United, a thorough thrashing of TFC, and a near win against Beckham and the Galaxy. 2-0-2 in that time span. Not bad at all.

The last 10 games of the season looks as follows:

08/24 - Sunday Houston Dynamo 3:00 p.m.
08/30 - Saturday @ D.C. United 7:30 p.m.
September
09/06 - Saturday @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
09/13 - Saturday Real Salt Lake 7:30 p.m.
09/18 - Thursday @ Columbus Crew 7:00 p.m.
09/27 - Saturday Colorado Rapids 7:30 p.m.
October
10/04 - Saturday Toronto FC 7:30 p.m.
10/09 - Thursday @ Real Salt Lake 10:00 p.m.
10/18 - Saturday Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.
10/23 - Thursday @ Chicago Fire 9:00 p.m.

Thats 5 away games against quality opposition. Conversely, the 5 home games are of a much lesser threat. If the Bulls can sweep the home games, and manage a quality win or 2 in this time frame, their place in the post season will be practically assured.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

The first ten games were highlighted by the efforts of Jeff Parke, who managed to keep a backline competitive even in the face of injury. These last ten (really, the past 4) have been about the change this team needed to compete. And that change was realized when Jorge Rojas was inked to a deal. Rojas has been the ideal CAM; he is unselfish, has excellent ball control and vision, and doesn’t hurt out payroll! In four games, Rojas has managed to net goals, set up goals, and create chances that would make anyone forget this seasons scoring woes. For waking up the offense, and for utilizing the pieces to this team so well, one would be hard pressed to find a more impactful person to the Red Bulls season.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Had you asked me the first 6 games out of the past 10, I would say the entire team needed a haul over. But the optimism of the past 4 games alone have really negated those emotions. Now, I am hard pressed to name a player who “needs improvement.” Mike Magee was named last trimester, but it seems he has awoken from his slumber. Goldthwaite has been on, Carlos Mendes has been effective in spot duty, and Jon Wolyniec has found a nice niche as a late game, reliable substition for the forward lines. So, in the sake of fairness, I cant name nor will I force myself to name a person that “needs improvement.” Ill leave that up to you!

ROOKIE OF THE TRIMESTER

While Danleigh Borman has taken more of a back seat, Luke Sassano saw some excellent playing time, filling in admirabley in the shoes of Dane Richards. Luke was able to hold down the fort in the place of Dane, who is one of the toughest people to replace on this team. Where Danes speed and drive are irreplacable, Sassanos cool and composure allowed the Bulls to live through his absence without a significant drop in play (yes, the loss of speed was noticable, but bareable). Keep up the good work Luke.

KEY WIN

Red Bulls 4 - DC United 1 @ home.

KEY LOSS

Red Bulls 0 - 4 Rapids. On the fourth of July no less. This was a stake through the heart of the team, the fans, the organization - everyone. Just read my postgame report.

OVERALL GRADE: B -

I am in such a great mood about the recent signings and results, that I am forgetting that there was a long streak of offensive ineptitude, and a horrendous first 6 games to begin the last ten. Hell, I was willing to give Osorio and the boys an A and call it a day! But that isnt really fair as an overall grade then, is it?

Fact is, Osorio and his new crew have earned major points for improvment, but one can not forget the struggles of yesterday. Though coach gets credit for holding the team together through injuries and a closed transfer market, the Bulls are still meandering around .500, a position one can not ignore. But a promising outlook is what I feel looking forward. And, barring a complete disaster, the Bulls should be back into the post season for the third year in a row.