Tonight boasts yet another critical match in the Eastern Conference between two of its top teams, vying for not only top spot in the east but the Supporter’s Shield as well. The New York Red Bulls look to reclaim some of their form when they return home to face the Houston Dynamo. It was only a week ago that New York was handed its second straight loss by a dominant Dynamo team who could not have looked more comfortable. New York looked a team to not even remotely care they were part of a pivotal match between the top two teams in the conference.
As always for New York there is a lot of question concerning their starting XI and bench. New York is starting to get healthy but many of its injured regulars still do not have 100% match fitness and may take more time to get accustomed to the pace of play. An unexpected pillar in the back for NY, Brandon Barklage, is still listed as out for tonight’s match along with rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara. Barklage could be back soon but head coach Hans Backe is very worried about Meara’s hip injury. Backe was worried enough to go out and get American keeper from abroad Luis Robles, who NY tried tossing earlier this season. Robles will join the team on Sunday, leaving Bill Gaudette to start and Vuolo to be on the bench tonight. Mexican DP Rafa Marquez has been reworking his way, once again, to the field after suffering a setback with one of his various injuries this season. Marquez has been ruled out as a starter tonight but may make the 18 on the bench. It is unclear as to what Wilman Conde’s problem was last week when he pulled himself off the field late in the game. Roy Miller, Markus Holgersson, Heath Pearce, Jan Gunnar Solli, and Connor Lade are all healthy and it will be interesting to see what New York’s back four looks like, especially if Joel Lindpere and Le Toux play on the flanks of the midfield.
One good piece of news for NY is the return of their best midfielder all season, Dax McCarty. McCarty missed last weeks away match in Houston due to yellow card accumulation and it was a huge miss for NY. Teemus Tainio could only go 45 and even though young Victor Palsson is heralded as the next Tainio, he still has much to learn and hone. With McCarty back, the fullbacks will push into the attack, the centerbacks will be more composed, and Cahill may receive the freedom he is needed to be effective. McCarty has also been vital to NY with keeping possession and smartly distributing the ball. The combination of a Cahill-McCarty central midfield is enticing for NY fans as they were afforded a glimpse in the friendly against Tottenham, where the two combined for the penalty call as well as a few other scoring chances. Throw in an angry Henry and the fighting twins of Cooper and Le Toux and New York can be strong through the center of the pitch.
The biggest problem New York had against the Dynamo last week was the lack of pressure everywhere on the field. That’s just the way New York can play on the road though and sometimes they are lucky and sometimes they play one of the best teams at home. Houston was, and still is undefeated at home, as well as the Red Bulls. The Dynamo midfield trio of Bonieak-Garcia, Brad Davis, and Adam Moffat caused many problems for New York. The few times the midfield felt pressured, they kicked the ball out to Houston’s wingers, Calen Carr and Mac Kandji. Carr and Kandji hurt New York more than any other players this season, specifically Kandji working on the NY’s right fullback Heath Pearce. Pearce had not played since late June and had to come in and deal with a very strong and inform Kandji and struggled. Pearce sometimes could not even apply the needed pressure and allowed the space to lead to Houston’s second goal. Did I mention Houston just resigned Ricardo Clark after a stint over in Europe? Clark has only had a few days of training with the Dynamo but he did make the trip to NY and is expected to dress for the match.
Many believe tonight’s match is about revenge and redemption for the Red Bulls as they host the Dynamo. Redemption was something accomplished by the US Women’s National Team against Japan, after both played hard fought matches in the World Cup final and the Olympic gold medal match. Last Friday saw a disheveled and very lazy Red Bull team who could not put pressure anywhere on the field or posses the ball in the fashion they are generally accustomed to. No, for a team to seek redemption they have to first put in the necessary effort and New York did no such thing. If New York wants a shot at going back atop the Eastern Conference, they need to shine in their home form once again and not allow Houston to get comfortable.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
