NOW, TAKE A BREATH …
Look, no matter the dire picture painted on the pitch and in this column, the Red Bulls are far from a lost cause. It is simply a matter of getting all the right players back and exercising a great deal of patience from here until the end of September.
After all, many things hinge on the vital happenings of the coming weeks. A fit and serious Rafa Marquez showed exactly what he is capable of doing in a fantastic DC victory last month. If he shows that form and class, New York will be the better for it. If Tainio returns to health, along with Solli, Barklage and the rest of the team, you will add depth and defensive posture to a team desperate for it.
And let’s not forget Tim Cahill. Customary to new players in this league, Cahill will see a time of adjustment. Once he learns the system and competes at a proper fitness level, you never know how dynamic he can truly be.
This year, the Red Bulls have their sights on the Cup. It may be a hard run leading to the playoffs, but with so much riding on this investment, they will surely be a contender.
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.