Prior to yesterday’s match, the Red Bulls’ back four played a grand total of ten starts in Major League Soccer competition. If you add the keeper to the mix, it’s just 17. Only two of the five players are regular starters on the team. The average age of this quintet? 23.7 years of age.
Regardless of the numbers, the defensive line and their star rookie keeper played above and beyond expectations. Tyler Ruthven played a steady partner to an impressive Markus Holgersson. Brandon Barklage was equally effective on the defensive end as he was on distribution. Connor Lade enjoyed a fantastic bounce back game as well. All in all, the young guns did what the starters failed to do all year; help Ryan Meara earn his first career shutout.
Now putting things into perspective, the Revolution are hardly an offensive dynamo. Outside of Saer Sene, you would be hard pressed to find an attacking threat amongst them all. Still, the victory was a major feat for a team that needed three points in an absolutely daunting situation. You can credit the backline for that result.
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)