A VITAL WEAKNESS
Working off of our conversation on defense, another key factor to consider is agility and speed. Conde will undoubtedly scare off potential threats on the wing, but he has already shown to be a liability when pushing up field and having to run back into position. Connor Lade has that “make-up” speed, but lacks the size to ward off some of the taller, more powerful forwards in the league (see Macoumba Kandji).
The Portland Timbers exposed New York with speed. The wings collapsed and when they did, a stoic centerback pairing was divided and conquered. Dax McCarty, who has been able to add cover on the backline all year long, won’t always be there to do so as exhibited by his play since the addition of Tim Cahill.
To make matters worse, midfield wing options Joel Lindpere and any combination of Sebastian Le Toux, Jan Gunnar Solli, Lloyd Sam et al. are not your prototypical two way players. When the defense is exposed by speed, Le Toux may be the only one with the speed to cover – and that clearly isn’t his game.
This veteran laden lineup could be thrown into a fit by a younger, more pressing side. The Red Bulls have plenty of depth to work with – no question – but little to counter speed on defense or offense.
Dave, I agree you are essentially correct as Luck is what you make of it. The blessing of talent across the board seems almost overwhelming to Backe as he’s now almost prone to tinkering in fashions that leave his best talent on the bench (read: Cooper).
I must, however, beg to differ on a few points.
You note there have been contributions across the various role players throughout the season and for the most part that’s correct. I would add that, despite some early struggles, Lindpere has made himself relevant again at the most important time of the season, right now.
And, I further suggest Le Toux deserves to be only listed in the Complete Bust category. Short of his debut game/goal, he’s had no impact whatsoever, but for permitting Backe a poor excuse of a player to replace Cooper in the starting XI. Le Toux’s supposed “high work rate” has produced little more than the useless chasing of balls passed back to the opposing Keeper. He is soft on the ball and losses possession easily, doesn’t win 50/50 battles and rarely provides any cover for overlapping defenders on his side of the field.
Despite a few Assists, Roy Miller is finally in the right position for RBNY- firmly planted on the bench. He’s single-handedly (and lazily) cost the team goals and games with his unyielding desire to push forward and abandon his primary duties as a defender, however poorly he plays the role. He’s beaten regularly on his wing and not merely by the best the MLS has to offer. His last game in the XI was nothing short of horrific and not even “Miller-loving Backe” could afford to keep that sort of player on the pitch any longer. It’s about time. His descent gives us hope to find a backline that might yet prove effective.
2 to 0 to The Arsenal !!!