The New York Red Bulls (7-4-3) are on quite a roll heading into their June mini-summer vacation. The Red Bulls unbeaten in their last six (5-0-1), welcome in a Columbus Crew side looking for their first statement win of the 2013 season. The Crew only has four wins through eleven matches, against Chivas, Toronto, and two against DC. Beating one of the hottest teams in MLS on the road, especially against a conference opponent, would bolster their confidence while moving them up in the standings.
When the Red Bulls take the field Sunday night, it won’t just be about beating Columbus, but doing so while playing better soccer. Even though they are on a six game unbeaten run, the players and Mike Petke feel they can improve on almost everything. Early on in the season, NY was playing soft defensively and scoring lots of goals. Now, NY’s defense is arguably one of the best in the league but their possession and scoring has dropped. For fans though, that’s okay. Over the last two seasons, the LA Galaxy were always hailed after pulling out 1-0 victories over opponents. While the Red Bulls are glad they know they can win while still being outplayed, they want to show the league they can’t be outplayed. Why do the Red Bulls keep winning and the Crew doing the opposite? It all comes down to finishing on the chances created. Whatever chances the Red Bulls create they are finishing. Over the last few games NY has not created many a chance but the likes of Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill are finishing. Columbus has done well with its passing but has been abysmal in the final third. Jairo Arrieta is suspended for this match so the offensive workload falls on the shoulders of Dominic Odurro and Federico Higuain. Higuain had his penalty attempt saved by Luis Robles back on May 4th, when Tim Cahill opened his season scoring account and netted the game winner.
The Red Bulls are not taking the Crew lightly though. The Red Bulls midfield will have to shut down the space that Higuain loves to operate in. If he has time on the ball and space to run in, the NY backline will be under pressure all match. It would also behoove the Red Bulls to be careful on where they give up free kicks as Columbus does well on set pieces and. NY recognizes and respects the physical play of Columbus, specifically their midfield. Danny O’Rourke took Thierry Henry out of the offensive play of NY back in Columbus. With Luyindula and Akpan likely out with the heavy schedule this week of the Open Cup and another MLS match, there is no real threat offensively off the bench for NY besides Lloyd Sam. NY will most likely look to continue their direct play. When on set pieces the Red Bulls will need to be mindful of the Crew’s counterattack.
The Red Bulls look to maintain their pace atop the Eastern Conference standings, especially since they still have played more games than any other team. Eventually the Red Bulls are going to have their streak busted and they will not grind out a result. While Columbus will be up to play in this match, hopefully the Red Bulls don’t fall from grace this week.
