It’s not pretty soccer, but the Red Bulls keep on rolling through games and escaping with the full three points. After a trip to Montreal, New York returns home to Red Bull Arena, the venue Hans Backe is looking to make into a fortress. The Red Bulls are 4-0-1 from games in Harrison, NJ with the only blip coming against San Jose in a 2-2 draw. Chivas comes into this match with a 3-1-1 away record, earning the title of road warriors early this season as they had yet to earn a point at home until beating the Galaxy this past weekend.
Throughout New York’s impressive run of five consecutive wins, they have played games without Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Wilman Conde, Jan Gunnar Solli, Teemu Tainio, Roy Miller, and Stephen Keel. While some have returned to the lineup here and there, Thierry Henry, Wilman Conde, and Rafa Marquez are all available for selection tonight against Chivas. Conde believes he can go the full 90 but Backe is less than optimistic and is unsure how he’ll use his big defender. While Backe cleared Henry for selection, Henry told the media he would have to test out his hamstring tonight during warm-ups to see how much he can play, if at all. I don’t believe Backe needs to force the issue with his retuning injured players. Backe’s lineups and tactics have worked well these past five matches so why change what’s working. Of course one would be crazy not to want Henry to play but with New York’s next league match not until mid June, there’s no need to risk a setback.
With the one game suspension to Victor Palsson being served, it is obvious Mexican DP Rafa Marquez will fill that void in the central part of the midfield. Connor Lade continues to be a revelation, especially for his size, never backing down and putting in a tireless work rate whether in the defense or midfield. Holgersson and Pearce teamed up well only having one day to train before the match against Montreal. Roy Miller had his best performance of the season and Brandon Barklage was par the course as fullbacks. There’s no need to risk Conde’s groin injury. However, eventually Conde will need to start developing match fitness and if he does play tonight, Backe would be ill advised to have him go the full 90.
Chivas comes into the match off a moral boosting 1-0 victory over their roommates and defending MLS Cup champion, LA Galaxy. Chivas made waves last week when they were involved in two blockbuster trades in acquiring defender Danny Califf from Philadelphia and forward Juan Agudelo from the Red Bulls. Red Bull fans who were dreading seeing Agudelo score in a Chivas kit can breathe easy as Agudelo is in Orlando with the USMNT ahead of their friendlies and World Cup Qualification. While the Goats have only scored seven goals this season, they’ve only let in 12 behind the superb play of Dan Kennedy. Most of the goals that Chivas have let in have also not been Kennedy’s fault as his defense and man marking has let him down on more than one occasion. Dany Califf has been brought in to settle the backline and provide leadership. Even though Agudelo won’t be playing, another former Red Bull, Juan Pablo Angel, is now a Goat. Angel only has one goal this season as he continues to deal with concussion like symptoms. While Angel returns to Harrison, Jose Correra is the Goats forward to watch. The young Colombian looked strong and fast and was a handful for the Galaxy back four.
For Chivas to be successful against New York, Nick LaBrocca will need to find a way to play away from New York’s Dax McCarty. McCarty has been one of the most influential players in New York’s streak. Dax, however, is one yellow card away from being suspended one game. That stat will linger in the midfielder’s head as he goes in for any challenge. I see this match playing out to a 2-1 Red Bulls victory.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
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