It was a frustrating night for both teams and the fans at Audi Field. Two statistics pointed in different directions favoring each team, possession for DC United and shots for the New York Red Bulls. United held possession 63% of the time while New York outshot DC 13 to 4. The reason lay in the choice of tactics by both.
DC harkened back to the days of Bruce Arena when possession was king while rapid attack was called for only if play clearly created a solid chance of success. Recall Coach Wayne Rooney’s emphasis at half time of the last home game on quicker tempo. That can be consistent with a team that tends to yield an early goal trying to avoid situations likely to cause that outcome.
On another note, the concept of total soccer was evident as United’s players constantly switched roles, most obviously when Andy Najar nearly reached a cross in front of the Red Bulls’ goal in the 40th minute while mostly playing in a four-back defense. He was not alone. Chris Durkin was also all over the field. Jackson Hopkins was seen on defense then shortly thereafter providing a sweet through ball just before injury took him out of the game.
Captain Steve Birnbaum explained, “Wayne gives the freedom for guys to move around but still stay in their positions. It’s by design and I think we’re in a good spot, just learning it.” He went on the describe the possession and change of pace, “We get into good spots and it’s about executing in those spots. We’ve got to up the tempo once it goes into their attack, kind of lull them to sleep then up the tempo and then hopefully we can finish them.
The captain had good words for Tony Alfaro who served as his fellow center back for the first time, “I thought Tony did a great job tonight. He was battling – – – He had a handful with Barlow on that side and did an awesome job, basically winning every 50-50 ball.”
Rooney expects Christian Benteke to be cleared for the next home game against Philadelphia on 20 August while Victor Palsson should be available next Saturday against New England. The former may be the key to execution in the final attack while the latter will bring experience to the midfield. Palsson claims to be a ball-winning player in a spot where his talents may allow more rapid transition into the up tempo that Rooney and Birnbaum espouse. With Benteke working with Taxi Fountas, the opportunities for more aggressive play should materialize.
Recent acquisition Martin Rodriguez has already shown signs that he will be a solid contributor to United’s attack as he could be found all over the field Saturday stealing the ball and making threatening moves. Perhaps the Rooney turn-around project is near fruition.
The MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night should affect Taxi little since he will likely play less than a full game and has become used to short intervals prevalent in July and now in August. The next two games will provide United’s other forwards to show what they can contribute before Benteke brings a new dynamic.
