The deck was stacked against NY heading out west this past weekend. Besides the laundry list of injured NY starters, the Galaxy would see David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Todd Dunivant return to the lineup after missing the game midweek in Seattle. NY was still sending out an unknown and inexperienced backline against the defending MLS Cup Champions, in their home arena.
Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe once again showed how unpredictable he is with his formation and the starting XI. The backline remained unchanged from the one that shutout New England but defender Jan Gunnar Solli was returning to the lineup. Solli started in a five-man midfield. Solli, a midielder by trade, would start on the left wing with Ballouchy and Joel Lindpere playing centrally. Dane Richards played out on his normal right wing role and Dax McCarty once again played in the holding midfield. With Kenny Cooper being the lone striker, he had to find an understanding with the central midfielders to apply maximum pressure on the LA center backs. In the 19th minute, a very active Joel Lindpere, already establishing an understanding with Cooper, broke the 0-0 deadlock. Play came down the left win from rookie Connor Lade playing a simple pass to Solli ahead of him. Solli then found a streaking Lindpere, who beat not only Bill Gaudette, but also an on rushing David Beckham. Cooper was initially able to take some pressure off Lindpere’s run by moving towards the far post. The rest of the night, NY was smart in its advances in attack. They only broke with numbers and moved the ball with precise passing.
It was once again up to NY’s defense, more specifically goalkeeper Ryan Meara, to keep the clean sheet. LA’s midfield played a lot better than NE’s a week ago and did not unnecessarily always lose possession before making it into the final third. LA’s best attack always came down the flanks, more specifically the left flank. While Beckham was able to whip a ton of balls into the box, Meara did well to come off his line and shutdown any chance. LA moved the ball more dangerously down their left flank. Dane Richards seemed to disappear in a defensive effort, leaving Brandon Barklage a handful to deal with. Not only was Mike Magee bearing down on him, but Donovan and Juninho would also attack off the flank. Barklage did superb to not only deal with balls into the box, but his man marking on set pieces. Anytime Donovan or Magee thought they would be clear for a header, Barklage was right there to impede their efforts. Markus Holgersson also had a solid night on the backline. It seems donning the captain’s armband has given him renewed purpose and confidence. LA’s best chance in the first half came while it was still tied. Irish international Robbie Keane chipped young Meara but saw his slump continue from a goal line clearance by Holgersson. It wasn’t as dramatic as the Ream clearance of Donovans ball last year, but it kept the points for NY just the same. Once again, in the second half, Meara played out of his mind and had a beautiful stop on a Juninho bomb late in the game to get his second clean sheet.
It’s a very short turn around for the Red Bulls as they play host to the visiting Dynamo this Wednesday night out at Red Bull Arena. Hopefully NY can continue to grind out results while injury plagued; all the while getting important experience for their depth.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
