Three’s A Crowd

Just when you thought all hope was lost, New York goes out and does this.  A win, honest to God, a win.  For the first time since the July 6^th drubbing of TFC, the Red Bulls claimed all three points and boy did it feel good.  Granted, it got a bit nervy there and it wasn’t the pretty display by any stretch of the imagination, but isn’t that what it’s all about?  A gutsy road win, the team’s first since winning at RFK in April, might be just what this team needs to get back on track.  But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s remember the long road New York still has to travel.

Leading up to the Dallas match, the season outlook was bleak.  With the Red Bulls fading fast and coming off yet another disappointing tie, it looked like there was nothing to look forward to in these last few games.  To make matters worse, New York would be missing four starters (Henry, Marquez, Solli, and Miller).  Not exactly a formula for success.  Luckily, FCD had some issues of their own, playing without Brek Shea and Marvin Chavez.  But for the Red Bulls, this game was more about returning players than those absent from the pitch.

Making his triumphant return to the starting XI was the Tank, Luke Rodgers.  Plain and simple, the Red Bulls are a different team when the Englishman is playing.  He worked relentlessly up top with fellow strike partner Juan Agudelo and netted the game’s only tally to secure the win for New York.

Rodgers exited at halftime for precautionary reasons, and the Bulls immediately went on the defensive.  Thank God for Frank Rost.  The man was a beast between the pipes.  Up until now, he’s been a bust, but on Friday, he showed just why he commands DP money.  He made some huge stops to keeps New York in the game and played the role of general, directing a makeshift (and All-American) backline.  Gotta say, I was impressed with Stephen Keel.  Yeah, that’s right.  He held his own, made some big stops, and sent a nice through ball to Agudelo to set up the game winner.  Mendes also filled in admirably, playing out of position at left back.  I don’t know about you guys, but I wouldn’t mind seeing last year’s CB combo of Ream and Mendes again, maybe put Rafa in the midfield (because you know the bench isn’t a realistic option).

When all is said, it’s a big step in the right direction.  New York still has two crucial games this week against RSL and Portland.  6 points from those two would do wonders for their playoff hopes.  As of today, the Bulls have the tenth and final playoff spot, but DC and Portland are on their heels.  The home stretch is here, how will New York respond?  Lemme hear your thoughts down below.

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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.

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Category: CURRENT ROSTER, Carlos Mendes, Chris Albright, Dane Richards, Jan Gunnar Solli, Juan Agudelo, Luke Rodgers, Mehdi Ballouchy, Rafa Marquez, Red Bulls, Results, Roundup!, Thierry Henry, Tim Ream