Sunday, April 29, 2012

Metros win but lose Henry

 

rb_reader

The NY Red Bulls faced the NE Revolution at Red Bull Arena coming off of an embarrassing lose to their most hated rivals, DC United at RFK Stadium, 4-1.  Henry managed to score the only goal in that game in highlight reel fashion.  Converting a free kick just outside the box into his 8th goal in 7 games. 

Returning to the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena where they have been unbeatable, they faced a familiar rival in the New England Revolution.  But, fielding a lineup which was without 4 starters, the Red bulls lined-up with local Rookie Connor Lade on the Left and Rookie Tyler Ruthven in the Center…with backup Brandon Barklage on the right…the only starter in the much maligned backline was shaky at best  S. Markus Holgersson.  In midfield, missing Defensive stalwart Teemo Tainio and underachieving overpriced high-profile Rafa Marquez, they instituted a midfield of Joel Lindpere in the attacking center, Dax MaCarty in the Defensive Center, and Mehdi Ballouchy and Dane Richards on the wings.  Up top the two forwards were the dominate pairing of Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry. 

The Red Bulls totally dominated the first 25 minutes of the game.  Henry scored his league–leading 9th goal in the 7th minute off of an assist from rookie Connor Lade, but the unthinkable soon happened…Thierry Henry went down untouched!  The most horrible sight in soccer is seeing someone go down untouched.  Usually, those kinds of injuries turn into 4-6 weeks, if not the whole season.  In the end, Henry will be out 3-4 weeks, which is a case of good-bad news.

The Red Bull’s makeshift backline held on with the help of Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara earning him Man-of-the-Match honors as well as his first MLS Career Shutout.  But, now the Red Bulls hit the road without their Captain, and the early clear-cut leader for League MVP, and without 5 starters in their lineup.  This is where Hans Backe can prove or disprove his coaching ability.

The Red Bulls are holding on to 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, but how long will depend on how well they can continue to get points with a makeshift lineup…at least until some of the starters start to return to the lineup.

Let Go Red Bulls!

Peace
G

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