A HARD ROAD LIES AHEAD
Thierry Henry collapsed in New England territory, going down untouched. As he looked for the ball from Mehdi Ballouchy, the team captain was forced to suddenly stop and reconfigure himself after the Moroccan failed to feed him a timely ball. The pause caused Henry’s hamstring to strain forcing the leagues leading striker on his back in grimacing pain. Early estimates have him out of action for up to a month, with further information to be provided after an evaluation on Monday.
So, now what? Well, New York will turn their hopes and aspirations on Kenny Cooper. Cooper, who has been a constant in the leagues top scoring list, is certainly a capable forward, but has rarely excelled without Henry. From the looks of things, he may be partnered with Dane Richards up top forming an Henry/Rodgers style tandem in attack. Whether that will work is anyone’s guess.
Henry’s loss also guarantees New York will be missing up to six starters for a large chunk of the next month. This is just the latest and most damning injury to befall the Red Bulls this season.
Ryan Meara was a beast yesterday and Markus Holgersson major props. Now let a month of losing begins – no Henry no wins.
I’d have to disagree with the sentiment that no Henry means no wins (or maybe I’m the new RBNY Optimist). Sometimes, events like these inspire players to bring it every time they’re on the pitch. And, while they may not have the scoring prowess or leadership and all the other intangibles Henry brings, they will have to learn to defend like crazy and learn to adjust. They need to get over the we can’t do anything unless TiTi is on the field mentality. They key for the next month is just pick up points, gain experience, and let everyone get healthy. That’s the beauty of MLS, so long as we get into the playoffs, we’re good.
Other talking points from yesterday:
(1) should have Tyler Ruvthen been red carded?
(2) Did Sharlie Joseph getting that early yellow help hinder the Revs’ midfield bite?
(3) How good were Henry’s corner kicks? (wow!)
(4) Dane is back (and maybe Lindpere a bit too)
(5) Did the Revs underestimate the RBNY defense?
(6) Dax is the new Teemu. Welcome back, Dax.
(7) Scoring first is key for RBNY (undefeated under Backe when we score first)
(8) Cooper is damn good with his feet
(9) Possession is overrated (NY got killed in that stat)
(10) The South Ward booing Victor Palsson was classless and uncalled for.
(11) How cool was it when Henry kicked that corner flag?
(10) Get this, only NY, FCD, and SKC are undefeated at home this year: the RBA as a fortress theme is working.
Hey, it’s late and I am up for some fun …
(1) I haven’t seen the replay, but it did look like he got ball first from my angle. I may be wrong.
(2) No. It was a statement he had to make. The team simply didnt follow his lead.
(3) How good were the players in the box? Surely they did more with the ball than they have in the past. Looked so close to converting …
(4) … they are both slowly getting back. Fair?
(5) No. They just dont have the offensive pieces to challenge them adequately. I mean, did you see Sene? awesome player, no finish.
(6) Dax is the new Dax.
(7) … or for any team! ;)
(8) Indeed!
(9) NY held over 60% of the ball in the first half. They scored when they did.
(10) I am all for freedom of expression. It’s New York and players are held accountable.
(11) Veryy!
(10) Indeed again!
Great insight, as always, Mr. Martinez. Brilliant stuff.
Dude its over. At least for a month.
We are not undefeated when we score first under Backe. We lost to the Galaxy in LA in the playoffs last year after Rodgers scored first.
Say Henry is back for the away match against the Fire in Chicago in mid-June, I think Montreal away will be our toughest game. LA plays midweek, Houston is starting to slow down, Philly has less of an offensive bite than NE, and Chivas lost their Road Warrior status (though they came into RBA and took us down 3-2 last season).
That’s right. We did lose game. I guess that we didn’t score first in the first leg. Or maybe that stat is regular season games. Good catch.
gcube
I agree no Henry = no wins is too strong. We just saw a rag tag group pull together to close out a victory. Lets see if its rally around the fallen leader or if they can repeat this during the month.
1) No not deserving of a Red
2) I think the yellow that helped a little. Sharlie had a weaker performance.
3) I noticed that as well
4) Yes Danes’s play was encouraging and Joels too.
6) Horray for Dax! Lets see what happen v LA.
10) The booing was uncalled for. His performance was weakest on the team and crosses poor but booing???
11) LIked that one too
12) Barklage was very good. Holgersoon quite good too.
13) Congrats to the back line for bonding together.
12 + 13) Indeed again again! (following up on G below btw)