Match Preview: Can NYRB stand up to DC in home opener?
by Anna Ferkingstad, New York Editor
In the opening games of the 2015 MLS season, new head coach Jesse Marsch and the New York Red Bulls were slotted to face the two Eastern Conference teams they knocked out of the 2014 postseason. This weekend’s game against DC United, however, has more to it than some bitter feelings from last season. Known as the I-95 rivalry, the matchup between these two sides is as old as MLS itself. Each year, the Atlantic Cup is given to the team of the pair with best overall record in the three regular season matches.
The proximity of New York City and Washington DC always means a large number of away fans for Atlantic Cup games, and it being NYRB’s 2015 home opener will only add to the crowds and rivalry tension. The Red Bulls had an offseason full of change, both for the best and worst. Sunday’s 5pm kick off marks the first time that coach Jesse Marsch has led his red and white side at home. Will they be able to contain the likes of a strong and consistent DC United?
Looking at history, the odds are not in New York’s favor. In the last five times these two clubs have met, DC United has won three games and New York two. Each having only played one match thus far this season, they enter Sunday with DC holding three points and New York only one. DC will be seeking revenge after New York eliminated them the Eastern Conference Semifinals in last year’s playoff run with an aggregate scoreline of 4-3.
Last season, the Red Bulls relied greatly not only on the scoring prowess of Bradley Wright-Phillips but also the ability of captain Thierry Henry to help control the midfield and feed balls to Wright-Phillips. In the game against Sporting Kansas City, Dax McCarty stepped into this role wearing both the captain’s armband and the responsibility of the playmaker. The problem? New York’s starting line up starkly different than the team we saw in form at the end of the 2014 post season and although they drew a surprising 1-1 tie against Sporting they still struggle to look cohesive and play as a unit.
The off season acquisition and midfielder Sacha Kljestan moved well alongside McCarty in the midfield and could be a detrimental to the teams success in these opening games. Lloyd Sam scored the goal for New York in the 54th minute that was responsible for bringing the game to a 1-1 tie. Sam beat his defender then sliced it into the top right hand corner of the net to respond to Sporting’s opening goal in the 50th minute. Red Bull’s keeper, Luis Robles, was huge between the net and denied Sporting from additional goals on several occasions.
In DC United’s game against Montreal, it was a shot by Jairo Arrieta that brought the game to the 1-0 scoreline in the 58th minute. Despite several scoring opportunities for either side, the team entered halftime with a tied scoreline of 0-0. DC demonstrated with small combination play and quick passes that they are in form and will be a strong threat in this year’s Eastern Conference. Arrieta’s game winning goal game was a result of a quick transition into the attack and then a 1 v 1 with Montreal’s keeper, Evan Bush.
This weekend marks only the second game for the new NYRB side and a lot of questions remain. Can coach Jesse Marsch make up for the unexpected departure of former coach (and New York Red Bull legend) Mike Petke? Against Sporting Kansas City, the Red Bulls struggled to finish shots. Will Bradley Wright-Phillips perform as well this season as he did in 2014? If New York wins this weekend, it would be big. They would send a message, both to the league and to every DC fan whose blood boils at the very mention of the Red Bulls name.
The win, though, is unlikely. Through the pre season and opening weekend, Ben Olsen’s DC United has looked more lethal and cohesive than the NYRB side. Although the Red Bulls will put up a fight for the home crowd, the score line will end in DC’s favor. New York’s ability to communicate through defense and trail marks on set plays will be key to minimizing the scoreline.
