The New York Red Bulls (0-2-0) first two games of the 2012 season have been sub-par. New York enters its third game of the season giving up 4 goals while only getting one back itself. The only saving grace of the results was that they came on the road against two tough Western Conference foes in FC Dallas and RSL. Come Sunday, the Red Bulls take on a streaking Colorado Rapids (2-0-0). New York looks to capture its first points of the 2012 season in front of its home supporters. It is a tale of opposites with New York and Colorado. In two games, New York has only scored one goal and conceded four. Colorado has done the exact opposite netting four goals and only conceding one.
NY comes home in the form of sloppy play, defensive miscues, and ever changing formations. The Red Bulls have no suspensions to deal with anymore and only one possible injury in Teemu Tainio’s ankle bruise. Returning to the fold will be controversial midfielder Rafa Marquez and defender Wilman Conde. Marquez, a polarizing figure with Red Bulls fans, finished his three game suspension after sparking a fight following the Western Conference semifinals home leg against LA. Conde is returning from a left foot injury that has kept him out almost a year. Conde was able to partake in some preseason action before picking up a thigh strain.
It is unlikely that the Red Bulls will line up in the 4-5-1 formation they did against RSL and will probably line up in a 4-4-2. This should rightfully give Kenny Cooper the start up top with Thierry Henry. While most Red Bulls have looked off form or lethargic, Cooper, subbing in during the second half two games consecutively, has looked hungry and dangerous. Conde being fit means either Keel or Holgersson will start the game on the bench. With Marquez returning to the midfield, two of the three central midfielders getting regular time will also be on the bench. If Tainio is healthy, he’ll more than likely get the nod considering how much NY needs the points. Palsson looked shaky and nervous in his first MLS start and McCarty has not been able to be the box-to-box player he was traded for. Tainio covering defensively will allow Marquez the freedom to move forward and create for Henry and Cooper.
Colorado comes into this match on the heels of a 2-1 win in Philadelphia, where they finished the game with only 10 players on the field. Midfielder Jeff Larentowicz picked up a 1 game suspension from a red card (two cautions) he received in the second half against Philly. Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni has also not trained with the team through the last few days. Coach Oscar Pareja says precautions are being taken after Mastroeni is experiencing symptoms that are possibly related to the knock he took against Columbus two weeks ago. Pareja has neither confirmed nor denied if Mastroeni will be fit for the match Sunday saying Pablo’s health is more important than his playing. This is no weakened Colorado side though. They still boast weapons in the form of Omar Cummings, Brian Mullan, and newcomer Quincy Amarikwa. Their defensive line, stat wise, has so far been one of the best only conceding one goal in two games.
If the Red Bulls truly do want to come out and take this game to Colorado, they will need to utilize their wing play from Joel Lindpere and Dane Richards. While Marquez will try to get forward, Colorado likes to pack the center of the field, exposing their wings. Lindpere and Richards, who looked dull in Dallas, showed a bit better against Salt Lake. Now coming home, the speedy Jamaican and Estonian beast are hopefully primed to turn in an unforgettable performance.
Some news and note from Red Bull Media Day:
- Luke Rodgers visa status is still unknown. The decision is in the hands of the US Department of Homeland Security now. Hans Backe was told he would have a decision by this past Wednesday. Now the team is hoping to have an answer sometime in the coming days to the next week.
- The Red Bulls announced they will host EPL side Tottenham Hotspur this July 31st at Red Bull Arena in the inaugural “New York Invitational Cup”
- The Red Bulls are expecting a crowd of 20,000+ for the home opener. Team sources have stated that 23,000 tickets have been
(image courtesy of newyorkredbulls.com)
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