As DC United successfully took down Real Salt Lake last weekend, the New York Red Bulls were dismantled late in their match against San Jose by a late-winner from the penalty spot. DC and New York reconnect at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night after last seasons stellar Eastern Conference semifinal last season which saw DC survive and advance.
Although RSL were a formidable opponent last weekend, New York will pose an even more difficult challenge this week. With the likes of Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry attacking, Brandon McDonald, Dejan Jakovic, James Riley and Chris Korb will likely have plenty of questions asked of them. Henry has been streaky in the first two matches of the Red Bulls season as his temper seems to be getting the best of him. The former Arsenal man even told reporters how hard it is playing in the MLS according to NBC Sports "[In Europe] I didn't have to tell Robert Pires or Patrick Viera what to do, so I was concentrating on what I had to do. I'm not having a go at anyone; I'm just saying that it's easier to have guys who know exactly what it takes." The Frenchman does make a point in his assessment in that the MLS is a unique (playoff structure) and growing league and may still be upset over Kenny Cooper's summer departure. And let's be honest – Roy Miller's complete debacle against San Jose in the dying embers of the match were that of an amateur and what cost the Red Bulls three points.
The Black & Red come into the Atlantic Cup clash (the three-game regular season series) between DC and New York in hopes of continuing their winning ways. According to DC United.com, DC has controlled the meetings since it began in 2002 and "in 11 total meetings between the regional rivals, DC has lifted the Atlantic Cup trophy nine times." Quite impressive, but there is a reason why the past is history. The New York Red Bulls will likely come into the match with a fire light from underneath them after their devastating defeat to San Jose.
United are going to be without their solid midfielder John Thorrington as he suffered a knee injury last weekend after a tough but clean tackle from RSL's Alvaro Saborio. It is believed that Thorrington will be out with the MLC strain for 8-12 weeks, which is very similar to what Dwayne De Rosario suffered at the latter stages of the 2012/13 MLS season. The 33-year-old will be sorely missed however luckily for DC their captain De Rosario will be back – yet Pontius indicates that his leadership will be missed during his absence according to DC United.com, "For me, the first thing [Thorrington] provides is leadership, a sort of calmness because he's been around for a long time playing this game."
Ben Olsen's squad must come into this game with a more offensive approach which just may be warranted to overcome the Red Bulls. As De Rosario returns after serving his two-match suspension, he will hope to link up with Pontius and DeLeon which will then look for Lionard Pajoy inside the box. As Thorrington will not be available for selection, Marcelo Saragosa will likely reclaim a starting position alongside the reliable Perry Kitchen. As the midfield looks fairly well-established for DC once again, Olsen may look to his bench to add additional firepower – Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz featured in a cameo performance against RSL in which he almost tallied his first goal for his new club, and could feature this Saturday late in the second half if goals are in necessity.
There has been some discontent over the more defensive-minded approach that DC United have taken as of late, but with the numerous injuries and those just coming back from injury, Olsen has taken the appropriate caution. Much of the United attack could come through the feet of Pontius as he loves to run at defenders and is an excellent crosser of the ball. More importantly, Pontius will hope to continue his series of fine performances so that he may get a chance in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers for the United States, although realistically his place in the squad may come closer towards the summer. If DC are to be successful in the match, they will need to rely on someone to maintain possession but also not fear to generate a killer pass.
This type of play could come from the feet of Kitchen who plays a more deep-lying role but also ventures forward, or this could also come from the designated player, Marcos Sanchez. Sanchez is a two-way player and definitely seems more of an attacking threat than Kitchen; however, the two of them could work wonders in the center of the park.
As rivalry week heats up, be sure to tune into NBC at 12:30pm EST to catch this thrilling match.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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