The Montreal Impact gave the New York Red Bulls a strong wake up call last weekend as they were handed a second half beat down and a 3-1 loss on the road. The defense was confused, the midfield was stagnant and New York was lucky enough to not get shutout thanks to a bit of Thierry Henry magic. Bill Gaudette was also a saving grace manning the posts as he was nominated to his third Save of the Week in a row after being with the team for that length. New York now faces an inform Dynamo squad who have not lost at home this season.
While the Red Bulls are starting to get healthy, Hans Backe has to be careful how he manages minutes for some players. Fans also need to be weary about how quickly some players can make an impact. Look no further than Jan Gunnar Solli’s sluggish play and poor man marking against Montreal. Solli played right back and was not the player he was before injury. New York will be getting Heath Pearce and Teemu Tainio back from injury against Houston tonight. Tainio went 45 minutes alongside new dp signing Tim Cahill against Tottenham and Hans Backe says not to expect either to go more than 60 minutes. Without Dax McCarty from yellow card suspension, getting Tainio back will be a huge bonus. Against Totteham, Tainio looked strong, athletic, and not like he was coming off a career threatening knee injury. One player who should be fresh and ready to go is captain Thierry Henry. Henry sat himself out of the friendly against Tottenham in preparation for the match with Houston. New York will once again be without the services of Rafa Marquez and Brandon Barklage. Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara was once again held out of practice this week dealing with his hip knock and looks as Bill Gaudette will once again be in net for New York.
Houston comes into this match undefeated at home, winners of their last 4 matches with 11 goals scored by seven different players. Houston has been one of the hottest teams since switching to a 4-3-3 and acquiring Oscar Boniek Garcia and the Dynamo may have sold Geoff Cameron but have not missed a beat on defense. Will Bruin is questionable for the match but Mac Kandji and Calen Carr have stepped up big time for the Dynamo on offense. The key matchup is going to be Houston’s wings against the flanks of the Red Bulls. Connor Lade, Solli, Lindpere, and if Pearce plays will have a tough time dealing with the likes of Carr, Garcia, Brad Davis, and Mac Kandji.
Houston has not beat the Red Bulls since May of 2008 and the Red Bulls have surely had their number both home and away. The last three games in Houston have ended in draws but Houston now has a new stadium, new formation, and renewed energy. The Red Bulls sit only one point above Houston for top spot in the east. The Red Bulls, unlike Houston, are struggling and are 3-3-4 in their last ten games. The final part of the season is fast approaching and the Red Bulls have a tough August ahead of them. Not only do they play Houston this Friday but next Friday at Red Bull Arena in a home and home that could be a preview of a playoff matchup. With the Red Bulls still trying to get healthy and integrating new players into the mix, it will be difficult to come away with a win in Houston but will be vital not to drop all three points.
(Image courtesey of Major League Soccer)
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