The Fight For First: Red Bulls Visit Columbus

By: Dave Martinez | July 17th, 2010

hansbacke Last weeks uninspired performance against DC United was not only a disappointment when put into context of the weeks events, but it was also a lost opportunity for the Red Bulls to tie the Columbus Crew for first place in the East. This week, the team has a shot at redemption, and then some.

With their tie last week, and the Crews loss, the Red Bulls found themselves two points out of first place through 15 games even. That would mean a win tonight could give the New york side sole possession of the East standings. Likewise, a tie or loss would put the team a dangerous 3-5 points from the top rung. Needless to say, there is a lot to play for.

With Thierry Henry not expected to play a league game until July 31st against the Dynamo, the Red Bulls will have to rely on the pieces that have gotten them to the dance. Juan Pablo Angel has been on fire as of late, and will, as always, be expected to carry the load on the top end of the pitch against All Star Chad Marshall, Gino Padula and the rest of the Crews defense. Meanwhile, Tim Ream and Carlos Mendes will have their hands full trying to contain former league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Robbie Rogers and a quick, dangerous Crew attack.

The last time these two teams met, the Red Bulls controlled the play at home against a hobbled Crew side, rattling three sure notches off of the wood word, while Columbus made sure their opportunities on the counter found the back of the net. The game ended in a 3-1 loss. Will that crushing loss be fresh in the minds of the squad? We will all find out tonight.

Oh, and for those of you wondering about the whereabouts of the newest Red Bull during this epic clash? Thierry Henry will be making the trip to Columbus in support of his side. Between that, and his extra time on the pitch in practice yesterday, it would be fair to say the Arsenal legend is putting his best foot forward in New York.

How will the game end this week? Will the Bulls have revenge on the mind? Can they manage an inspired performance under the watchful eye of their newest DP acquisition? Share your thoughts on tonight’s clash (7:30pm on MSG).

Category: +++ MY INFO +++, CURRENT ROSTER, Misc, NATIONAL NEWS, News, Preview, Red Bulls, Signings, Team News, Thierry Henry, daveredbulls(a)hotmail.com

Tags: +++ MY INFO +++, CURRENT ROSTER, daveredbulls(a)hotmail.com, Misc, NATIONAL NEWS, News, Preview, Red Bulls, signings, Team News, Thierry Henry

« Source: Two Weeks For The Next DP Announcement | Home | Loss To The Crew Highlights Red Bull Deficiencies Ahead Of Thierry Henry’s Debut »

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Larry

14,000 people was not at that stadium.
Larry

That was awful. I will only give one excuse, which is probably bullshit, but here it goes. They were not focused bc of the events of the past week. Once Henry begins playing, I think you'll see more focus. Did Stammler play? LOL. They missed Albright too. I wonder if RB will unload players like Richards, Petke, or another forward. We shall see.
RobStyles

If Ronaldinho really is available why aren't we trying to get him being that we're looking for a #10? He lead Serie A in assists last season and can certainly fulfill the CAM spot for us. He would be a fantastic draw and we would be getting him while he is still in his prime. Most of all we would be keeping the Galaxy from getting him. WHAT'S THE DEAL?!?
Onoda

It was an embarrassing showing. We've got to get it the fuck together. Borman seemed content to just lob it down field every time. No one was there to slow the play down or take any sort of responsibility and because of this, we were under pressure at all times and our passing suffered for it. After the two goal deficit we just didn't have any fight in us. Even when the ball went out we were so slow to bring it back in play. You'd think that after a two game week the Crew would be tired, but it was us who looked slow tired and fat. Just when you think all is going right we have our own team to remind us of last season...
Cubillas

Dave,
Ubi has not being the same since he got hurt. I have said this before but Stammler and Lindpere do not work in the midfield together. I feel that Stammler only wants to take the role of attacking midfielder and not worry about defending when needed. There is a fluidity that is not there in the midfield and a hunger to win a game against the Crew that I have not seen since the first game we played against in 2008 at Giants Stadium.
I will say it again. I LOVE THIS CLUB and all its supporters but I can't accept any player who wears our colors and not give it the respect it deserves. Many players yesterday embarrassed us with a dismal and substandard performance. I would prefer that Backe would play some of the kids instead, they play with more heart. There are tons of good committed players in MLS that would love to play for us, maybe we need to take a long hard look at some of the people in our roster and get rid of the ones with NO CHARACTER only then we can strive to get better every game.
Sebas

Did we get out classed or what?

:( The midfield was horrific, it was like watching Columbus play a High School varsity team.

As you can tell I'm not happy.

Peace
Cubillas

Hey dave, here is your cow of the week, yet again. Dane Richards. Hans continue to start this jack ass but won't even consider playing Garcia who has more quality than Dane any day of the week. He shoudl be cut, he's a waste of money and space in the team.
Larry

i agree with rob styles 1000 percent. He should dress in case it is tied or RBNY is behind 1 goal with under 15 minutes remaining. It would be magic if he did something special in such an important MLS game. I'm sure he's fit enough to play 10 to 15 minutes if need be.
RobStyles

It's ridiculous that Henry is not suiting up to at least come off the bench tonight. He just came back from the World Cup so its not as if he isn't fit. This is such a pivotal match, having him available would be a tremendous advantage for the team.
Chris99

Hopefully we'll see a more motivated RB in the attacking sense.

Against DC the creativity was extremely limited. Hopefully our mid's can support JPA properly and out fullbacks can get forward a little bit more.
Cindy

game will end with a freaking RBNY win hopefully! i'd like to rub it in some faces!