The New York Red Bulls (0-1-2) are still looking for their first win in the 2013 MLS season. If two games on the road followed by a home opener against a rival was bad enough, they have another thing coming. NY will play another match on turf against the Montreal Impact who has won all three matches so far this season, all of them on turf.
All three of NY’s previous matches saw Petke trot out different lineups with different tactics. The most positive of both came during the home opener last week against DC United. The Red Bulls started in a 4-4-2 and went with a high-pressure tactic until Juninho’s introduction late in the match. With another away match looming, Petke may be forced to once again change tactics. NY will be without the services of their DP’s Thierry Henry (injury) and Tim Cahill (International Duty) while it is unsure how long Juninho can play/if he’ll start. Two weeks ago Juninho did say the team needs an induction of pace into this side and he may just get his wish. Lloyd Sam has traveled with the team and may finally see field time. Both Johnny Steele and Eric Alexander have proven they can be vital cogs in the attacking game after securing the flanks against DC United. The Red Bulls did have Frenchmen Peguy Luyindula in training this week and if his visa has come through, will definitely be an option for Petke.
While Petke may have to tweak things in the midfield and upfront, he should not do anything with the backline. Against DC, Petke sent Roy Miller to Costa Rica early, slid Heath Pearce to left back, and gave Markus Holgersson his first minutes of 2013 in central defense partnered with Jamison Olave. While defenses often feel great after a shutout, the Red Bulls defenders felt great with the team only surrendering four shots and the communication between the backline.
Montreal won’t be without changes to its lineup either. World Cup veteran Alessandro Nesta left the Impact’s match last Saturday with an injury and will not dress for the game against NY. While the Impact have decent cover on defense in the likes of Hassoun Camara, Dennis Iapichino, and Jeb Brovsky, they will miss the calming presence of their veteran defender. Nesta’s best game in MLS did come in a 3-1 win last season over none other than the Red Bulls at Stade Saputo. Even though Montreal will also be without the speedy Sanna Nyassi, the Impact’s midfield is nothing to take lightly. Without Tim Cahill’s engine, Dax McCarty could use some help in retaining possession for NY and limiting the movement of Davy Arnaud and Patrice Bernier. Speaking of Bernier, it would be wise for NY to not give up a penalty as he is 7 for 7 all time in taking kicks form the spot.
NY and Montreal have only met three times but 14 goals have come from these matches, 8 by NY and 6 Montreal. Interestingly enough, all of NY’s goals have come from players who will not feature in this match (Henry, Kenny Cooper, Dane Richards, Mehdi Ballouchy). Will NY’s defense continue to grow together and put up another strong performance or does NY’s offense need to find the back of the net multiple times to stave off defeat?
