The Official “Where Has This Team Been All Year?” Blog

I have to admit; I’ve pronounced the season to be dead more than once before.  But you gotta cut me some slack, I wasn’t counting on the absolute ineptitude of the rest of the Eastern Conference.  Thanks to their shortcomings, the Red Bulls found themselves clinging to the tenth and final playoff spot after a draw away to Toronto.  That being said, New York needed all three points on Tuesday to have some sense of security in the playoff picture.   And thanks to our good friend Irene, the Bulls got just what they wanted.

Don’t tell anyone, but New York have now won three of their last five matches.  I know, I know, try to keep it on the DL, don’t wanna let it get to their heads.  On a night where DPs such as Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane would not be a factor, it was the Red Bulls whose star power shined the brightest.

Once again, it was Luke Rodgers who got the festivities started with a goal off a rebound in the six.  Hey may not always score in the prettiest way, but who cares.  The fact is, New York is a different team with the Englishman on the pitch, and there’s no debating that.  Hey always seems to get the job done when his team needs him.  After his goal, New York controlled the match and there was no looking back.  As Backe said post game, it was perhaps the most complete performance of the season, and the Bulls sure did look impressive.

With Rafa Marquez back in the midfield for the second consecutive match, there were plenty of skeptics as to how he would bounce back after a subpar night at TFC.  Here’s your answer.  Say what you will about his off-the-field comments and apparent appearance to not give two shits, but the man can still get it done.  I don’t know too many players in MLS that would see that pass, let alone get it to Henry with a perfectly weighted ball (that chip wasn’t too bad either).  Rafa and Tainio paired well together, building attacks and spraying the ball around the pitch helping to unlock LA’s stingy defense.

Unsung hero of the match? Gotta be Dane Ricahrds.  We all knew he had pace, but he was absolutely tearing up the wing, burning by anyone who dared to stand in his way.  The difference this year is that the speedy Jamaican isn’t just sprinting to the end line and losing the ball (usually), but actually feeding his teammates and creating chances.  Runner up goes to Frank Rost, who continues to impress and justify his DP contract.  He’s shored up the defense and lead New York to yet another clean sheet. I’m trying not to get too excited about this result.  After all, this was a weakened LA side.  But you can’t tell me that this team can’t go out there and beat anyone in this league with a performance like that.  That was an team win, from top to bottom.  Could the Red Bulls be hitting their stride at just the right time?  Is this a turning point in their season?  Lemme know down below.

***********************************************************************************

P.S. I’m looking to sell three tickets to the Philly game in October.  Reach me by email, Twitter, or Facebook if you’re interested.

Facebook – http://facebook.com/OffsideNYRB

Follow @OffsideNYRB

What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Los Angeles?

Some Related Red Bulls Posts:

Category: CURRENT ROSTER, Dane Richards, FORMER METROS, Jan Gunnar Solli, Joel Lindpere, Mike Magee, Rafa Marquez, Red Bulls, Red Bulls Arena, Results, Roundup!, Team News, Teemu Tainio, Thierry Henry, Tim Ream