THE NEED FOR McCARTY
What a difference a year makes.
Dax McCarty, who was once the butt of jokes and criticism in the trade for Dwayne De Rosario, has proven to be a vital cog in the Red Bulls midfield. Without his stabilizing presence, the team looked flat and uninspired. A returning Teemu Tainio and a debuting Cahill lacked the physical acumen to last a full 90 (though Cahill was pushed to the task).
McCarty’s engine, both on defense and offense, is a vital piece in the midfield’s continuity and the backline’s prowess. Without his customary “third centerback” style, Conde and Holgersson were left wide open on the attack and more often than not collapsed because of it.
The return leg at Red Bull Arena will be a welcome one for the team, especially with his addition.
Been seeing the same shit-tastic way this team wins and loses for the past two years now. Getting tired of it.
Sixth Lesson Learned: Cooper > Le Toux
The second he came in the game our attack instantly became more threating. Also are we still in the market for a RM because you can talk about all the improvment this team will make, but without a good attack down the wing this team won’t make a run in the playoffs (Our LM position looks pretty shaky too).
I love when people add lessons. lol.
SEVENTH – Team misses width (aka DANE RICHARDS).
Eight – Lindpere is in the doghouse.
True, but he also worked his butt off when he went in. He was one of the few who actually ran along with Lade and Cooper. Miller and LeToux exerted some effort with minimal effect as well. I like Lade but still favor Lindpere and his experience with Lade as fresh legs late.
Ninth Lesson Learned – This team needs Rafa Marquez. If you watch the last 6 games, you can tell this team is having huge problems trying to build out of the back. Watching Holgersson try to pass is becoming comical and all took to was a little high pressure from Houston and all of a sudden the entire game is on our end of the field. You just watch the DC Highlights and you”ll see how Marquez organized the backline and even conducted some attacks.
I know that msot games he doesn’t bring the right mindset, and I’ll be the first one to criticize that but right now if we want to seriously be MLS Cup contendors we need him to be one our backline.