Pre-Match Thoughts

Soccer returns after a nice little break from MLS action, as the Red Bulls welcomed Nashville SC to the tristate area in a big Eastern Conference showdown. The weather was absolutely perfect, and I was hoping this game would be the perfect way to end a long work week – not just for me, but for MLS fans everywhere. There was a sense of wonder in the air as RBNY would once again face off against an undefeated side, who will be looking to avoid its first loss of the year. Nashville have looked great at times, but don't look unstoppable – this gave Red Bulls fans hope going in. New York appeared to be gaining momentum going into the international break after beating a then-undefeated Orlando SC side, so Red Bull fans were hoping to continue that momentum. I was hoping to see the magic of Red Bull Arena push RBNY to a win on Friday, but with a solid Nashville team coming to town, it could be anyone’s game. As lineups were due out soon, I was interested in seeing how RBNY would shape up on the night.

Starting XI

The starting lineup came out - starting at goalkeeper, the lineup includes Miguel Coronel, who is becoming a fan favorite between the posts for this Red Bull side. On the defensive side, I was hoping to see a four-man backline but, much to my dismay, Head Coach Gerhard Struber decided to go with five in the back. The back line included some familiar faces as John Tolkin, Tom Edwards, Sean Nealis, and Kyle Duncan, who have worked together in recent weeks. However, Andres Reyes would round out the defense, returning from a red card suspension he earned at New England a few weeks ago. I worried about this back five, mainly because the last time RBNY attempted it, defenders were constantly out of position, which gave ample room for Javier Hernandez to snag a hat trick. I was hoping that this defensive unit could stay tight and frustrate this Nashville offense. On to the midfield, where most RBNY fans expected some rotation, since Christian Casseres Jr. being away on international duty. With a five-man backline, I imagined the midfield would not have to do as much dirty work in the center of the pitch. With the usual set up of Sean Davis, Caden Clark and Frankie Amaya, I was confident that this team could cause problems for Nashville going forward. To finish the lineup, Fabio and Patryk Klimala got the start at the striker position, together for the first time. This is what Red Bull fans had been waiting for - seeing the two best RBNY striker options starting alongside each other. This was a good lineup but, as I said earlier, using five in the back worried me - I was hoping for a better result than the last time this formation was used.

Game Time

As we got underway at Red Bull Arena, it was the first time that the stadium was at full capacity since last March: the fans were in good numbers and at full volume. Although we’ve got soccer to talk about, I took a moment to appreciate everything it took to just get to this moment. The game was in full speed and, right from the starting whistle, RBNY were pressing and Nashville seemed to struggle. The first ten minutes or so was a lot of back and forth, with no team really making any big plays. Through the first thirty minutes, each team seemed to be waiting of the other to make a big mistake and RBNY’s back five seemed to be frustrating Nashville’s offense, as they were not able to start anything up. On the other hand, RBNY were having a difficult time trying to build momentum in the midfield – they couldn’t find the right passes to initiate a buildup. There were a few opportunities for RBNY, but no breakthroughs yet as we approached the midpoint of the half. As the amount of chances were increasing, I was hoping New York could get on the score sheet before the half and really pressure this traveling Nashville side. At thirty seven minutes in, we got our goal. Sean Nealis put in a long ball off a set piece and Patryk Klimala was able to flick it up for Fabio, setting up a beautiful strike. This perfect link-up play led to an absolute banger of a goal, as Fabio finally got the goal that had alluded him all season. This is exactly what RBNY needed: they were getting closer and closer and finally got the goal they deserved. The half would end 1-0. This Red Bull team has always looks just as, if not more, aggressive after the half time talk with coach Struber, so fans were hoping this momentum would carry the team into the second half.

“Sean Nealis put in a long ball off a set piece and Patryk Klimala was able to flick it up for Fabio, setting up a beautiful strike. This perfect link-up play led to an absolute banger of a goal, as Fabio finally got the goal that had alluded him all season.”

As the game restarts at RBA, New York are hoping to continue their winning streak at home. As the first ten minutes went by, Nashville really appeared to be the better team. Aggressive play and good movement led to some great chance for Nashville but, lucky for Red Bull fans, none found the target or really troubled Coronel. Just when I thought that Nashville might get back into this contest, Defender Kyle Duncan dribbled the ball through the center of the park, found some space just outside of Nashville’s box and slammed home an absolute beauty. Duncan’s blast should be another goal of the week candidate, as the crowd went absolutely mental with a big 2-0 lead. The energy of the stadium was really giving the team life. Duncan is a star in the making and with runs like this, it’s not hard to see why. However, it was important that RBNY not get too relaxed since Nashville has a habit of coming back from deficits like this. I was hoping that this backline would continue to cause problems and halt any chance of a comeback. Over the next fifteen or so, Nashville showed why they are the kings of the comeback in the MLS. Though their best chances did come late in the game, with some outstanding goalkeeping from Miguel Coronel and timely defending from the Red Bull back line, you could see the frustration growing for Nashville. Yellow cards and close free kicks would make this game edgy if you are a New York supporter, but the squad bent without breaking. As the match came to end, the boys in black would see out this close 2-0 win in front of their home fans, sending everyone off to a great weekend with three points.

“Just when I thought that Nashville might get back into this contest, Defender Kyle Duncan dribbled the ball through the center of the park, found some space just outside of Nashville’s box and slammed home an absolute beauty.”

Final Thoughts

As we left RBA Friday, I realized I am falling in love with this team more and more every single week. The hunger of this young side keeps a smile on my face, and it grows every time I watch this team. The best part is, even with injuries and players away on international duty, the “Next Man Up” mentality is working, which is something that hasn’t happened with this team in a very long time. The fact that anyone on any day can show up and absolutely ball out is a massive factor going into the heart of this MLS season. Not only are New York’s star signings stepping up, but the youngsters are growing into their roles as well. On Friday, another undefeated team left RBA with their first loss of the season, which brings up another point: this New York team doesn't care who they’re playing or how their season is going. RBNY look to compete and win every game, which is something we should all be thanking the coaching staff for. Implementing this mentality is huge for a side going through wholesale changes such as these. However, we can’t live in the sunshine forever: RBNY have a quick mid-week game away at New England. RBNY will be hoping for some revenge after the previous defeat only a few weeks ago. The big question is this: can RBNY keep this energy up for weeks like this?

As always I am here for it all.