Red Bulls Are Fit to be Tied

 

 

Let us step back and analyze this from a neutral observer’s point-of-view first…

The NY Red Bulls came out flat in the first half, and Vancouver had the bulk of the possession which eventually lead to a beautiful goal in the 23rd minute by Davide Chiumiento.  Some poor officiating lead to a series of circumstances which saw Rafa Marquez escape a 2nd yellow card, and a few minutes later Jan Gunnar Solli receive a totally bogus straight red card in first half stoppage time.

So, the first half ends with the Red Bulls down a goal, down a man, and playing poorly against the team with the worst record in MLS.  A team who hasn’t won a game on the road all season.

The Red Bulls began playing better in the second half, and had a lot more possession despite playing down a man.  But, the game completely changed in the 61st minute when Hans Backe inserted the Red Bulls 18 year old phenom, Juan Agudelo.  His youth, speed, and desire gave the team some much needed width, and caused Vancouver’s defense fits as soon as he came on.  Then in the 68th minute, Agudelo lost his defender in the box, and got on the end of a long Rafa Marquez pass, leveling the game at 1-1.

The Red Bulls continued to pressure Vancouver trying to get the game winner, and Agudelo almost accomplished that in the 80th minute.  Rising above the defense, he headed a shot on target forcing Caps keeper Joe Cannon to make a save to knock the ball out of bounds.  In the 81st minute, Luke Rodgers returned from injury to add more pressure to the Caps defense, and the Red Bulls attack came inches from getting the game winner as Thierry Henry made Joe Cannon sprawl to knock away another shot destined for the back of the net.  In the end, the short-handed Red Bulls fought back for a hard earned point, but failed to get the much needed win.

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However, the Red Bulls now find themselves with the dubious distinction of having a league high 15 ties (Chicago also has 15 ties).  And, they also find themselves behind DC United for the last playoff spot after United’s 3-0 victory over Chivas USA.

The Red Bulls now have to hit the road to face FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas needing to find a way to get 3 points, or risk falling out of the playoff picture all together.

They have 7 games left to make the playoffs. The fans will not accept positive spins on how this was a good tie any longer.  They are having fits about all the ties this season.

Bottom-line: This team is too expensive and too talented to not make the playoffs. 

Get it done…PERIOD!  No more excuses.

Peace
G

Post game Interviews from Hans Backe, Carlos Mendes, Luke Rodgers, and Thierry Henry