ANOTHER NEW LOOK DEFENSE EXCELS

With Brandon Barklage sporting a boot around his ankle and Wilman Conde out indefinitely with some personal issue, New York trotted out yet another new look defensive unit. Rafa Marquez joined Markus Holgersson in the middle while Heath Pearce was pushed out left and Connor Lade returned to the right.

The result was a solid one against one of the most explosive attacking games in the league.

“I’m really happy because like I said last week, defensively was something we needed to fix and we are playing harder in the midfield, the back line is working hard they regroup well with Heath (Pearce) at left back,” Tim Cahill said last night.

“The main thing is to defend first; I’ve said it time and time again, we will score goals, we’ve got some good individuals, some good quality players that will score some goals. We can’t keep conceding, 15 goals in the first five minutes in games, is not acceptable and that’s not what we should be all about.”

Rafa Marquez in particular drew praise for his performance while the Pearce/Lade tandem was credited for shutting down KC’s wing attack.

After the game, Hans Backe conceded that this may finally be the foursome he depends on come the playoffs. After tonight’s performance, it is tough to argue that logic.