Red Bulls Humbled in Salt Lake

Just one week after defeating PSG and drawing the renowned Arsenal, the Red Bulls were brought back down to earth with a disappointing 3-0 loss at the hands of Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. Even more frustrating than the result itself was the dismal performance by the Red Bulls, which sees them continue to drop in the Eastern Conference. They are now level on points with Sporting KC for third place, having played one more game.

A lot of the problems that have haunted the team all year continued to persist in this match, contributing to the awful result and performance. For one, the opening goal came off of a set piece. The Red Bulls are all too familiar conceding goals in these situations. Any set piece goal given up, unless off of a brilliantly struck free kick, has to be considered a soft goal. Simply put, the Red Bulls have conceded far too many soft goals this year. Building off this, the third goal scored was from the spot. That goal marked the sixth time the Red Bulls have given up a penalty this year, which is tied for the highest number in the MLS. Sometimes referees make bad decisions or there is no other alternative, but surely this is not the case for all six penalties. Again this demonstrates the unforced problems that continually have come to cost the Red Bulls this campaign.

It is important to also consider the other side of this game and give credit where credit is due; and that is to Real Salt Lake. I mentioned in the preview that they would be up for the game, returning home after having lost their two previous games. RSL played with a lot of energy and determination from the first minute to last and were fully deserving of the three points. Regardless of the soft goals conceded by the Red Bulls, they can have no claims that they deserved to get anything from this game. RSL illustrated why they are still one of the top sides in all of MLS and were fairly rewarded for a strong performance.

Going back to the Red Bulls though, for me the biggest issue in the match, which is again something that has been consistent in the Red Bulls season, is the apparent lack of urgency and desire from the team. Regardless of the team you support, I think most people would agree that the Red Bulls have one of the most, if not the most, talented teams in the MLS. Many teams would love to have the experienced, quality players such as Tainio, Solli, Henry, Marquez, etc. The Red Bulls boast one of the highest payrolls in the MLS, doubling and even tripling some teams, and this is backed up by one of the most talented teams. Talent alone though, does not bring results on a consistent basis. No disrespect to the other teams in the Eastern Conference, but when comparing the talent the Red Bulls have to other squads such as Philadelphia or Columbus, there is no reason why the Red Bulls should not be alone atop the Eastern Conference.

However, the Red Bulls seem to lack that intrinsic quality of a gritty team, a team that will fight for results and grind out points. There is no doubt that to be a successful team over the course of a team, you need to have these qualities, in addition to just talent. Team such as Columbus or Philadelphia are where they are in the conference because they always battle and never give up. Furthermore, with the physical, sometimes less skillful league that is the MLS, they compensate for their perhaps less talented squad with even more fight, which has gotten them to where they are so far. Just imagine how good a team like Philadelphia could be with the likes of Henry, Tainio, Solli, etc.

People have made excuses for the Red Bulls for a lot of this year after their fast start. There was the Gold Cup, there were injuries, there was the Goalkeeper crisis, and so on. The Red Bulls have almost played 25 games this year, there shouldn’t be any more excuses. Perhaps for a couple games, but not for nearly half a season. I think it may be time to start questioning the team directly and what they are really made of. Backe as well has to start coming under some criticism. The team has played 24 games so far and only won 6, 4 of which came before May. For a team of the Red Bulls quality that is simply unacceptable. There is still some time to turn things around, but Backe and co. will have to face some serious questions if they are not able to soon.

(image courtesy of Getty Images)