NY comes into Wednesday’s tilt with a 180 minute shutout streak, two 1-0 victories, behind a makeshift backline. Lade, Ruthven, Barklage, and Meara were not names anyone knew or should know heading into the 2012 MLS season. Early in NY’s 2012 campaign, the defensive line was leaking goals and Meara had no help on some of the opponent’s tallies. Lade, Ruthven, and Barklage were on the bench for most of the games and were only late subs in the second half if they did get into any games. Now, with the second game of three in nine days, seem set to relegate the regular starters to the bench against Houston.
Roy Miller returns from a left knee injury to find St John’s product Connor Lade holding his own against the likes of Chris Wondolowski and Landon Donnovan. Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said Miller will be available for selection but will not start against Houston. I don’t expect Lade to play the full 90 however and he should see some field time before the game expires. Jan Gunnar Solli started against the Galaxy after returning from injury but was not in his regular role of right back. Solli started in the midfield on the left wing, pushing Joel Lindpere centrally, while Brandon Barklage played his second game at right back. Solli left the LA game grimacing in pain due to cramps and not an aggravation of his injury. Rafa Marquez also returns to the starting lineup and will play in the midfield, not in an attacking role or on the backline, according to Backe. With the return of Backe’s 4-4-2, many are interested to see what players Backe runs out against Houston.
The best thing about Hans Backe this season has become his unpredictability. If this were 2011, it would be easy to say Barklage and Lade return to the bench. The 2012 Hans, however, realizes its smart not to mess with what’s working especially with three games in nine days. However, I think Solli reclaims his right back spot from Barklage. Marquez reclaims his central midfield role alongside Dax with the flanks being patrolled by Richards and Lindpere. Cooper will once again start up top, not alone this time though. With Agudelo only able to go at max 45 minutes, Hans Backe has ruled out a Richards-Cooper pairing. Does that leave a position open for a young striker in Hertzog or Arteaga? No, I think Mehdi Ballouchy, who has had a great season, will start along side Cooper. Ballouchy is creative in the final third and has an understanding with Lindpere on how the two can interchange their wing and central spots.
Houston comes into their final road game before opening their beautiful new stadium on the weekend. The Dynamo has only scored seven goals in six games, while allowing eight for a 2-2-2 record. Houston plays its first of three games in seven days as well. Will Bruin has scored four goals and it will be interesting to see how he and Brian Ching break down NY’s back four. Geoff Cameron is having a 2011 Tim Ream like season, with less gaffes. Tally Hall, however, still impresses me with his play. Unlike last season though, I don’t think he’ll be getting an assist off a goal kick.
While the Dynamo’s offense is not the most potent, Ching and Bruin are going to be a tougher test for this back four than New England and LA. Sure LA boast bigger names than Houston, but both of LA’s strikers are colder than an ice age currently. Houston will also want to have momentum heading back home to finally open their stadium so they will be dangerous. For NY to earn three points, Dax and Rafa will be key to the game. They will need to facilitate the offense all the while sweeping in front of the center backs. Backe’s line up and tactics, which have been superb over the 180-minute shutout streak, will once again be the focus heading into the game. Whether RBNY fans wake up praising or cursing his name remains to be seen.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
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