Major League Soccer has many “rivalries” between its different teams but none can match the intensity on and off the field between DC United (9-4-3) and New York Red Bulls (8-4-3). Heading into Sunday’s tilt, the Red Bulls look to thank their rivals for the beating they gave them back in April. After the 4-1 loss in DC, New York went on a six game unbeaten streak which consisted of winning five straight on the heels of losing in form striker and captain Thierry Henry. Since that win, however, DC has found itself in first place in the east and two points off league leaders Real Salt Lake. If New York were to win by two goals, they would vault pack into the top spot in the east, still with a game in hand over DC.
It’s fair to say that the Red Bulls have been impressive so far this season through 15 games, especially since Hans Backe has yet to be able to play what he believes is his best eleven starters. Everyone knows the injuries that have plagued this team in Henry, Marquez, Solli, Tainio, Keel, Conde, Miller and everyone knows the reserve players who have stepped up to fill the void. Now ahead of the biggest match of the season, NY will have to play without Swedish center back Markus Holgersson. The temporary Red Bull captain picked up a left ankle sprain in the final 15 minutes against Vancouver this past Wednesday. Wilman Conde is also suffering from muscle tightness not related to his recent groin injury Backe revealed. Conde was sat against Vancouver in preparation for Sunday’s game. Conde is expected to be able to go and will have two options to partner with between Heath Pearce and Stephen Keel. Keel has not played in MLS since his injury down in DC and if Roy Miller is still struggling with fatigue from international duty, Keel could be called upon to slot next to Conde with Pearce playing left back. Marquez also comes into this match not fully fit after not playing and barely training over these last three weeks after suffering an injury on international duty with Mexico. As of now Rafa is set to go and would put Dax McCarty in his old role of being a box-to-box midfielder. New York will surely miss the pace of Dane Richards, who is suspended from yellow card accumulation, but Joel Lindpere, Jan Gunnar Solli, and Connor Lade have all been playing with purpose lately and should be up to the task.
Red Bull fans will be pleased to see Thierry Henry will be returning to the fold to play on Sunday. “I’m happy. Last year we were complaining about (not having depth). You win a league or a championship when you have a good squad. I’m actually happy we didn’t yet put our full squad in the field and we’re actually battling up top (of the table),’’ Henry told the NY Post. “That’s where you win the title. That’s why I’m happy. We’re missing a lot of players, but were still there. For me, that’s refreshing.’’ Henry will once again return up top with strike partner Kenny Cooper, who has slowed down in production since MLS came out of the international break. The strike partners will be going up against a very strong back line and will need help from the midfield to be productive.
The Red Bulls will have to be careful, yet again, of giving away free kicks in the final third. DC midfielder Branko Boskovic has three assists in three games off of services from his set pieces. His marshaling of the midfield has also allowed DC to keep possession late in the game, denying their opponents the chance to claw its way back. Let’s not forget they also have a player by the name of Dwayne De Rosario, who with a brace could score his 100th goal in MLS play. In the 4-1 loss, Chris Pontius and rookie Nick DeLeon were on the score sheet for DCU and both are finally seeing their return to full health.
DC United is a dangerous team on every part of the pitch and head into a sold out Red Bull Arena for a first place showdown. A playoff atmosphere could return, as United will be traveling with a large fan contingent. With Sporting Kansas City losing and staying at 29 points, this match up could be one of the more important games in the Red Bulls season.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
