The New York Red Bulls face off against the San Jose Earthquakes in a battle between two of MLS’s hottest teams. Both New York and San Jose are riding three game win streaks on the backs of their high-octane offense power. New York comes off a 4-1 victory on the road against the Columbus Crew while SJ comes off a 3-1 come from behind win against Vancouver.
New York comes into this match with a league leading 14 goals scored, behind captain Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper. Henry leads the league in goals scored at 7, half of his total from the 2011 campaign. Cooper is tied for second, with San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski, at 6 goals scored in the race for the golden boot. New York’s offensive explosion started at home just three games ago. Since their loss at RSL, New York have outscored opponents 13 to 4, winning the 3 matches by three goals each game. New York’s offense on Saturday will not be the problem but San Jose’s stingy defense, which has only let 2 goals in all season, will. San Jose has only given up 1 goal during the run of play, last week to Vancouver.
With all of New York’s injuries heading into this match, the focus shifts from Henry and Cooper to New York’s backline. The Red Bulls have yet to keep a clean sheet this season amid some very strong play from rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara. On the game against the Crew, defensive miscues on a set piece provided Columbus’s lone tally on the night. Defensive back Markus Holgersson, who had an impressive game up until the goal, stayed his ground and did not follow Chad Marshall’s run. Marshall, free, headed the ball past Meara. There seemed to be confusion between Holgersson and Meara on the play. Holgersson seemed to think it was Meara’s duty to come for the ball and not stand his ground. There were a couple of other times during the match where Meara and one of his defenders were not on the same page. Balls were dropped in the box and players collided amidst a lack of communication. Sure, Meara is the keeper but he’s only a rookie. He’ll gain the command of his backline eventually but he needs a veteran in the middle to settle the team down. Let’s hope Wilman Conde’s next month is injury free and he can return to the pitch without another problem. New York’s backline will have to settle and defend against Wondolowski and whoever his strike partner will be. Without Steven Lenhart or Alan Gordon, manager Frank Yalop has a choice ahead of him. Wondolowski had a tough first half against Vancouver without a target man, playing along Simon Dawkins.
Whoever San Jose play up to next to Wondo, New York will hope it is not speed going up against them. If New York is to come away with their fourth consecutive win, Henry and Cooper will need to stay hot and strike first. The backline will also need to limit Wondolowski’s movement in the box and let him have as few chances as possible. If not, Wondo will put on a finishing clinic for the fans in attendance. I believe NY walks away with a 3-2 victory.
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
