(Photo Credit: Rob Tringali/New York Red Bulls)
3 keys for Red Bulls to beat LA Galaxy
by Anna Ferkingstad, New York editor
Today’s face off between the New York Red Bulls and the LA Galaxy will be a battle between some of the biggest talent in the East and West. The Red Bulls have led the league this year, with an undefeated record after five games but the LA Galaxy will be a difficult challenge. Head coach Bruce Arena is one of the most experienced and successful in the league and season after season, the Galaxy have done what the Red Bull club have not – won titles.
Under their new head coach, Jesse Marsch, the Red Bulls have found success in the first two months of league play with a high pressure mentality and cohesive triangle midfield. They have become the side to beat as defenses struggle to hold back the potent forward presences of Lloyd Sam and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Goalkeeper Luis Robles, is a strong and consistent pressure between bars and midfielder Dax McCarty has impressively held the captain’s armband after the offseason departure of Thierry Henry.
What will it take to knock down this red and white side? A lot. But if anyone can do it, Bruce Arena and players Robbie Rogers, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Juninho are the people to put your money on. It’s only two weeks now before the long awaited New York derby between newcomers NYC FC and NYRB and the Red Bull size has three games in the next seven days.
To remain undefeated across the next two weeks would be an impressive feat. Ahead of Sunday’s matchup here are three keys if the Red Bulls are going to grab a victory against the LA Galaxy:
Lloyd Sam vs. Galaxy defense
Lloyd Sam has been a crucial part of New York’s recent offensive success. His movement and pressure on the right wing frees space for the stacked forward line and provides an outlet for the roaming outside defender. In last weekend’s match against San Jose, Sam assisted Mike Grella’s goal in the 35th minute after beating San Jose’s left outside defender to get a cross to Grella at the top of the six yard box.
In the San Jose match, New York outshot their opponents 21 to 10. It’s clear: if the Galaxy are going to limit the goal tally they are going to need to remain strong on defense. A huge part of this responsibility will fall on outside defender Robbie Rogers, whose position puts him up against Sam. New York should look to continue to exploit the wings. The Galaxy are traditionally rather cohesive on defense, so the win is going to come from continual and creative pressure.
Utilize home advantage
With an atmosphere as contagious as Red Bull Arena, the home advantage could give New York the edge in what is likely to be a close game. The three hour time difference for the Galaxy, the early (by West Coast standards) kickoff and New York’s record add to the possible Red Bull psychological advantage. The match will be aggressive and emotionally charged.
Cautious highline defense
For defense, Jesse Marsch continually expresses a desire to play with a high backline. With the talent of LA and the team’s ability to pick apart central defenses, New York’s Matt Miazga and Damien Perrinelle are going to need to be careful not to pull too high too quickly. The Red Bulls will not have to face the likes of Robbie Keane, but forwards Bradford Jamieson and Alan Gordon combine to bring speed and skill. Although, New York won 2-0 against the Earthquakes they conceded the first two goals in the 2-2 draw against DC United.
Thus far, the 2015 Galaxy side has not played with the same pace and verve as the MLS Cup winning team. Without Keane against Seattle, they were lethargic even after they gained the lead. Marsch and the Red Bulls should look to possess in the midfield and capitalize on the slow speed of play that the Galaxy seem to be struggling with. NYRB forwards, like Wright-Phillips cannot allow for quick LA transitions with turnovers in the attacking third.
