Luis Robles – 6.5
Robles had a crucial save for the Red Bulls in the 14th minute stopping Maidana from putting the Union ahead early on. That was the only save Robles had all game for the Red Bulls, there was nothing he could have done on both Union goals.
Chris Duvall – 6.5
Steady in defense, and active in the build up is how Duvall’s performance can be best described. In Marsch’s system, the full backs have instructions to step up on the pitch, which can usually expose the space behind their backs to opposing attackers. At a time where the Red Bulls were determined to look for the equalizer, it was Duvall’s side that was exposed. Duvall, who had tucked into the middle, was a bit too passive to prevent a Fabinho-Maidana combination that freed up the Brazilian for the assist to Sapong.
Kemar Lawrence – 6
Lawrence has been an important part of the Red Bulls’ defense, he is quick to react, and a good reader of the defensive situations. Unfortunately for the Red Bulls, he left the game at the half hour mark with a hamstring injury. There is no telling whether his presence on the field could have helped New York shutdown Philadelphia’s counter, but his speed could have certainly helped.
Karl Ouimette – 6.5
Making his second consecutive start, Karl Ouimette has been the alternative to Miazga’s absence. His young age is still the motive for many inexperienced mistakes, but overall Ouimette has the ability to be a solid defender. His quick recovery in the 24th minute to block a Philadelphia cross is an indication of his defensive capabilities. On the offensive end, Ouimette was at the root of Philadelphia’s second goal when his pass out of the back was intercepted by Fabinho, but he shouldn’t take all the blame as Sam should have done better to prevent from being beaten to the ball by Fabinho, Ouimette picked up a yellow card in the 84th minute, when the Red Bulls were forward and the Union was looking to counter.
Roy Miller – 6
Given the start during warm ups as a result of Perrinelle’s hamstring tweak, Miller was forced to start at center back. Although not his natural position, Roy Miller has had experience in the center of the defense. Perhaps it was his the lack of mental preparation for the game, or maybe the unfamiliarity with Marsch’s system from a center back position, but Miller was the Red Bulls’ worst defender. Questionable balls out of the back, as well as positioning miscues, Miller was connected to both of Philadelphia’s goals, losing his direct markings on both occasions.
Dax McCarty – 6.5
Not one of McCarty’s best games by his own high standards. He is still the anchor of this Red Bulls midfield, but had a few questionable decisions, and when your team plays a high pressing, high positioning game, passing sharpness is crucial to keep the transitional balance of the team. A few bad passes by McCarty left the Red Bulls’ defense scrambling. McCarty was substituted in the 67th minute when New York needed more men in the final third of the field.
Felipe – 7
With more creative freedom but just with as much defensive responsibilities as McCarty, Felipe continues to be both the gritty defender, and the silky passer. It’s a shame his outside shot is not one of the more developed weapons in his arsenal, yet, the young Brazilian is not afraid to take his chances from outside the box. He finished the game second only to BWP with 3 shots. Overall a solid performance for Felipe on both sides of the ball, and it’s hard to ask him to be more influential from his deep position.
Mike Grella – 7.5
Grella had his best performance with a Red Bulls jersey against Philadelphia. Grella will never be as flashy as Sam, or as smooth as Kljestan, but within his 5’11” frame there is skill level beyond many players in this league. His end line dribbling to beat two players in the 39th minute, and then serve Kljestan was a clear demonstration of what Long Island native is capable of doing while leaving his defenders scratching their heads. His curling shot in the 44th minute, after stealing a ball from a defender was met by the upright in what would have been one of the plays of the game.
Lloyd Sam – 6.5
Sam knows he will be closely watched by opposing defenses, how he manages to get away from his marking (sometimes doubled) is what is going to project him to the next level. Sam has had an absolute scorcher start of the season, but has been relatively quiet since his 2 assist performance against NYFC, 3 games ago. Sam was held shot-less for the 2nd time this season, while suffering only one foul; a clear indication he is being given less space to be as influential as he was early on in the season.
Sacha Kljestan – 7
The Red Bulls’ “corkscrew”, is having a hard time opening opposing defenses, against Philadelphia it was no different. Kljestan’s skill is unquestionable, but he has yet to have a dominating performance for the Red Bulls. His chemistry with both McCarty and Felipe continues to grow, but for someone that has the responsibility to create for BWP, Kljestan is still coming up short. Nonetheless, his importance to this team can’t be undermined, as he is one of the linchpins that give the Red Bulls their identity. Good play in the 74th minute to get into the box, and get a shot off that was blocked.
Bradley Wright-Phillips – 7
BWP finished the game with 6 shots but no goals, and continues to prove the pundit’s pre-season predictions that he wouldn’t be finding the net with the same regularity he did last season correct. It’s no reason for alarm, the Brit continues to work as hard as anyone on the pitch and although he is seeing less chances this year, the chances are still there just not at the same rate. BWP is one DP away from becoming the prolific goal scorer he was last year, the Red Bulls have to be looking at the market, and thinking they will need someone who is going to not only take away the attention from BWP, but also someone who can help him upfront. I understand that the last thing Marsch wants to do is to clone last years team, but at this point the main priority should be to bring BWP some help. His slide shot in the 74th minute almost pegged one back, and his goalmouth service to Abang was half a goal.
Connor Lade – 6.5
Lade came in the 30th minute for the injured Kemar Lawrence, and had a decent game. His strong suit continues to be his services into the box, always to the danger area. He has to share the blame with Miller on Philadelphia’s second goal has both left Sapong free for the tap in.
Dane Richards – 6
Richards came in for McCarty in the 66th minute and continues to be Marsch’s first choice off the bench regardless of the situation. He may have been an influential, and fan favorite player in years past, but this season’s Dane Richards has yet to make a difference when coming into a game. If he is any indication of the Red Bulls’ solutions on the bench, then Jesse Marsh needs to be counting the days for the market to open.
Anatole Abang N/R
9 minutes on the field, and a clamorous goalmouth miss for Abang. Not sure this is the player the Red Bulls want as number two in the forward depth chart.
Alfredo Fumacas : @talkingtodadoll
