To make matters worse, they have yet to beat New York in two meetings (both home and away), getting outscored 7 to 3 in the process.
For Red Bulls’ captain Thierry Henry, those numbers can be deceiving,
“The game against them (in Montreal), we should and could have been 3 or 4-1 down at halftime,” Henry said. “How many chances they missed – we got a lucky penalty, let’s be honest.”
After surviving a tough first half, and receiving a generous penalty call, New York carried a draw into the second and were able to overcome the expulsion of Victor Palsson (two yellow card infractions) with a Dane Richards goal and a solid defensive effort to take home three points on the road.
“They can play,” Henry stated. “They have some guys that have been in the league for a little while. We’ll see. It’s a hard one for us. Montreal can definitely play.”
Besides their current dip in form, Montreal is undergoing another tumultuous situation as well – one New York can relate to. Turnover has always been a constant with the Red Bulls and this season is no different. With the recent trade for Sebastian Le Toux, the ouster of Dane Richards and the acquisition of Tim Cahill, New York and Montreal face a similar and daunting task of making pieces fit effectively into a new system.
Italian great Alessandro Nesta debuted in a midweek friendly against French power Lyon, while Marcos Di Vaio continues to try and find his footing.
As someone who has been through the kind of grandiose roster changes that are currently shaking the Impact’s foundation, Henry had a simple message to the fans of Montreal.
“You have to give them time,” he said. “You have to give Di Vaio time, he just arrived. I went through the same thing. Nesta … you’ve got to give them time to get together.
“The owner is doing something great bringing great names to the game. They just need to click and work well together.
“I think Nesta is going to be amazing for them, even Di Vaio; you just need to let him get into his rhythm,” he added, before flashing a smile and saying, “… after our game.”
Henry was a killer in his lone appearance against the Impact, scoring a hat trick and notching an assist at Red Bull Arena back in March. Injuries kept him out from their May tilt.
This will be his first regular season appearance in Montreal.
Wow. I knew on paper that Montreal would be tough, but the NYRB made them look way better. They need Pearce back there big time. Solli was just awful on both ends. He rarely pushed up (maybe he is not used to playing without Richards) and when he did, his crossing into the box was atrocious. His defending on the first and third goals were awful. The second goal was offside. That is why I hate MLS. The other sideline judge was excellent, but then you get this other guy in the second half, and down the tubes you go. Lindpere..they guy is super cool guy, met hime twice, but he may have to shove out to the side or the bench. His error put the game away for Montreal. McCarty had probably his worst half of football in the second half. Le Toux look uncomfortable and uncertain with the ball. Henry dropped back too deep AGAIN. I thought Cooper did okay. I was impressed actually with Lade, he played really well, but he needs to move forward more selfishly sometimes and get into the box into more dangerous areas, force more one v. one. Gaudette was probably man of the match for NYRB.
Are the Frogeaters pursuing Micheal Ballack as a DP? If the Gaulish Soprano’s(the Saputo crime family) acquire the Flying Hun as their central attacking mid than they could have an interesting side up there in the land of quiche and maple syrup. I understand they have a hit out on Brian Ching, the Fredo of the North American Football Association . I just think thats what MLS should be renamed, rebranded, like the Sodanazis and Wiz. Just an opinion boys, this league is maturing to the point where it doesn’t have to sit at the kids table anymore. I read about the Ballack rumour back a bit. Pure specualtion, really.