The MLS Cup: Rewind

By: Dave Martinez | November 25th, 2008

By now, the news is already as old as the socks I wore in L.A. - the Columbus Crew are your 2008 MLS Cup Champions. And to be honest with you (and with myself), they were the better team, and hence, more deserving of the title. What Guille can do with the ball at his feet still has me wishing he had never left Boca.

So, with the confetti all swept up, and every MLS player looking for the nearest golf course to call home, what are the Red Bulls left with?

The answer is simple - hope. Lots of it.

2008 was a year of growth, trial, and tribulation. For the first time in this franchise history, a dedicated, semi familiar group of players fought against the tide of failure, disappointment and inevitability, and created a magical run to the MLS Cup that no one would have predicted a mere month before, with a core group that included never-beens and cast aways. In doing so, the Red Bulls managed to compete well with this squad, which in return has created an offseason that will have less to do with releases and more to do with signings. One thing is for certain - the countless years of Coach Merry Go Round has made the roster about as stabile as a pirate with two peg legs. This years successes will assure that turnover will be wisely overseen, and replacements will be consistent with the teams needs.

Synopsis of all of that? They became a team.

In doing so, there were players that clearly attempted putting the team on its shoulders for the win, notching experience and leadership points in a team that has been in desperate need. Dave Van Den Bergh and Dane Richards have made that impact all season. When the chips were down, when the offense found no other recourse, they would turn to their twin tide turners for answers. Unfortunately in this particular game, it seems that plan may have been a bit too obvious.

Speaking of the game plan, I would have to say I started out being pleasently pleased, then overall, disappointed. The Bulls came out with a varied attack from the wings that had Columbus reeling. They just could not convert. All season, the game plan has been “Play defense, look for your opportunity, expose that opportunity, play defense.” The team, taking an unfamiliar role as the attackee, seemed stunned at the prospect of being down 1-0 early. The confusion was palpable. From there on out, the Bulls lost a bit of their organization and composure, even after scoring the tying goal. Though they tried to find “old reliable” Bergh and Dane, the Crew, at that point, knew the Bulls were not going to attempt an attack up the middle. So they doubled down on Van Den Bergh for the second half, and Richards was neatralized on the right. By my count, it was not till the 83rd minute of the game that the Red Bulls decided to try another attacking route, going with a midfield attack (though even that attempt was weak).

Bottom line: they tried to surprise the Crew with an early assault. When the Bulls found themselves down 1 nil, a victim of its own strategy, they panicked. Meanwhile, the Crew figured out the Bulls fairly obvious offense, and shut down the wing play. Game over.

One can always look back and wonder “What if?” but I would rather end the season with what every Red Bulls fan should be thinking - “Who knew!?!”

KUDOS

Kudos go out to the Bulls squad. This improbable run to the final could only have been sweeter with a Cup in New York. But the fact that you were there to begin with, when no one ever believed, is reason enough for thanks.

Kudos to the Red Bulls staff, who were more than accomadating in helping many a fan to get tickets. First class stuff ladies and gentlemen.

Kudos to the incomparable, undeniable life blood of the Red Bulls - The Empire Supporters Club. ESC sang, chanted, screamed and exuded passion for 90 minutes. Though the Crew Supporters had them in numbers, and even had more reason to sing and cheer, the ESC showed what a true supporter does - have their teams back for a solid 90 minutes. They out sung the Crew, out chanted the Crew fans, and never stopped the party, no matter how bad things got on the field. Thats love. Thats support. That is ESC.

Kudos must also be given to the City of Los Angeles. I am telling you, I fell in love with the joint. The weather is amazing, the people were super awesome, and just California was . . . WOW. Loved it.

And Kudos to the Columbus Crew. They deserve it after their undeniable domination of the league.

Special admiration to Schelotto - dude, when will you ever age?! You make Argies everywhere proud.

And in the end . . . . My review . . .

This was a great life experience. To see my long suffering Metro Bulls in a final was a fact that didn’t even hit me when I saw them on the field. Hell, even watching the game in action was a stunning fact that didn’t quite hit me till I actually left. I’ve never been to any final in any of this countries major media sports venues. This one, in this setting, will be one I will never forget (even if the ending wasn’t all that much to my liking).

As always, I will be covering the Red Bulls like a blanket all offseason. I hope to have you guys along for the Winter Doldrums!