The New York Red Bulls opened up their MLS season at home for the first time since 2011, the Red Bulls haven’t won a season opener since then. In a home opener in which the Red Bulls also hoisted their 2015 Supporter’s Shield banner, Jesse Marsch’s men were hoping they could start the season on the right foot and beat Toronto FC, but it wasn’t meant to be. Despite controlling most of the game, and having the lion share of the possession the Red Bulls were surprised by Toronto’s quick counter twice and dropped their home opener by the score of 2-0.
Here is how each Red Bull player fared:
Luis Robles – 6.5
A relatively quiet first half for Robles, whose only save came from a Giovinco surprise shot from midfield to which Robles handled well. In the second half Robles made 2 good saves, one of them on a Endoh blast from close distance.
Gideon Baah – 7.5
New York’s latest acquisition hit the ground running, with timely clean tackles, and heads up plays to keep last season’s MVP at bay. Baah also did well coming out of the back, whether with the ball at his feet, or finding Red Bull players in spaces to start the transition with accurate passes. A very clean and impressive game from the man who is filling in Miazga’s role.
Ronald Zubar – 6.5
Much like his partner, Zubar also had a good game despite not being challenged much , especially when it came time to contain Giovinco. In the 16th minute Zubar connects on a header from a corner but put the ball just over Irwin’s goal. Zubar played a more physical game than Baah committing 2 fouls to Baah’s clean game. This early in the season he is starting to show signs of good chemistry with Baah. Substituted in the 85th minute as the Red Bulls made a final push
Kemar Lawrence 6.5
The tireless Jamaican was a continuous presence up the wing offering a wide option for the Red Bulls. A couple good crosses into the box, and a timely run at the far post that could have spelled trouble for Irwin had Lawrence been a fraction of a second late. Kemar was involved in the play that gave Toronto FC their first goal, when he fouled Endoh in the box. The Red Bulls were pushing forward, and Lawrence was caught out ahead of Endoh, he tried to recover but ended up fouling Endoh in the box. Lawrence finished with 4 tackles, a team high.
Sal Zizzo 6.5
It seems Zizzo may have solidified his starting spot at right back, even with Duvall back, Zizzo seems to be the choice for now. The right back didn’t have much work defensively, and much like his left side counter park spent most of his time going up the right wing. Zizzo’s cross in the 37th minute was a great ball, too bad Lawrence just got there a step late.
Dax McCarty 6.5
New York’s metronome was pressured early in the game by Toronto, and gave up a few balls in the middle. McCarty was forced to make a few changes as a result of Toronto’s pressure, and overcrowding the middle. As the pressure subsided, McCarty was afforded more time to build New York’s transitions, but found it difficult to find Red Bull attackers, as Toronto occupied spaces and closed off passing lanes.
Felipe 6.5
The Red Bulls know teams will now adjust to play their high pressing, short passing game. Much like McCarthy, Felipe experienced Toronto’s pressure early, and had to adjust his release and positioning. With Toronto closed off in the back, Felipe had a hard time picking out mismatches, or even pick up the pace on ball circulation. It’s early in the season, and the Red Bull midfield must realize they will become a focal point of other team’s game plans. Good job defensively covering Michael Bradley and Will Johnson.
Sascha Kljestan 6.0
Whether on the left or in the middle, Kljestan found it hard to break down Toronto’s defensive web. He is the one player that can make the difference in this New York midfield, but this early in the season, it’s normal that some of the fluidity, pace and sharpness is still missing.
Mike Grella 6.5
Grella can never be accused of lack of effort, the “Long Island Messi” always leaves everything on the field. A good interception and follow up in the 24th minute that was cleaned up and returned by Wright-Phillips, Grella came very close to putting the Red Bulls on the scoreboard. Despite starting on the left, Grella featured in the middle behind BWP quite frequently, a bit of a new look by the Red Bulls that was worked out in the pre-season with Veron. Substituted in the 79th minute
Lloyd Sam 6.5
Perhaps still a bit far from his ideal physical and game rhythm shape, Sam had a hard time beating defenders one on one, something we saw so much from him last season. A good combination with BWP in the 27th minute gave Sam a good opportunity to get the ball past Irwin, but his shot was over powered over the bar. Gave his spot to Shaun Wright-Phillips in the 79th minute.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 6.5
With very little space to operate BWP had a very difficult time getting anything going. Having to operate with little space, and little time, BWP is still missing a bit of sharpness to make the difference. He tried to go around the goal keeper in the 65th minute but ran out of room, and space. In the 74th minute a good cross by Lawrence at the first post BWP could only get a piece of the ball, which wouldn’t trouble Irwin.
Anatole Abang N/A
In at the 73rd for Lloyd Sam
Shaun Wright-Phillips N/A
In at the 79th minute for Mike Grella
Sean Davies N/A
In at the 85th minute for Ronald Zubar
