Vengeance could be very sweet for Dallas. New York didn’t have to perform brilliantly to beat a fatigued and faltering Hoops squad in the first round of the 2011 playoffs to move on (2-0 in Frisco). However, the Hoops come up against a New York side in flux at the moment. Goalscorer Luke Rodgers is in the midst of a US visa fiasco. Wilman Conde, a starting center back and replacement for Tim Ream, is carrying an ankle knock. The Red Bull keeper situation is about as solvable as the Kennedy assassination (5 total keepers were used in New York last year).
Still, the Red Bulls will have a solid midfield, anchored by Dax McCarty, Joe Lindpere, Dane Richards, Teemu Tainio, and a solid attack in the form of Thierry Henry and former Hoops target man Kenny Cooper. KC has settled in nicely in New York, netting a handful of goals during preseason.
If FCD keep it tight in the back and neutralize the attack provided by two known and proven goalscorers they will have a great shot at a victory on Sunday. Denying the service of Joe Lindpere will be absolutely crucial, as his consistent accuracy in around the 18 is an invitation for poachers Henry and Cooper. The fact of the matter is that New York is vulnerable defensively. The man who generally took the brunt of many attacks, Rafa Marquez, will be serving his first game in a suspension for his punch/slap/caress of Landon Donovan during the Western Conference playoffs last year. To top it off, there is no Tim Ream on New York’s back line, plus the keeper situation in New York is less than desirable.
Dallas, buoyed by the recent return of David Ferreira, will unfortunately see him out of the lineup. Expect Villar to be his replacement. The only other option to consider would be a switch to a 4-4-2, with Rodriguez on the left flank and Brek Shea moved up top, alongside Blas Perez. Pay attention to the relationship between Loyd and Castillo, as it proved productive and efficient throughout the FCD preseason. The attention New York will pay to Shea and Castillo on the flanks will potentially free up the middle of the pitch for Perez and Villar. Defensively, George John’s presence in the back will be necessary, as this will be a big game that I don’t think Pertuz is quite prepared for, in spite of his great preseason.
Projected Lineups
Prediction for Sunday: 2-1 FCD. Biased? Of course. But FCD has made the right offseason moves, has important figures back in the lineup, and has a 6-pronged attack that will terrorize New York’s disconcerted back line.
(image courtesy of fcdallas.com)
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