The Comeback That Almost Was: RBNY Fall to NE 3-2

Pre-Match Thoughts

            As the midweek games came by in a blur, the New York Red Bulls traveled up to New England and faced off against the Revolution for the second time in less than a month. After a comfortable victory against Nashville SC over the weekend, Gerhard Struber’s team would need some grounding - on Wednesday night, they would face off against one of MLS’s best squads in New England. Of course, the recent loss to the Revs is still fresh in everyone’s minds. However, since that loss, RBNY have notched some big wins against some great opponents. I’ll keep this review short, since these games are going by fast and it’s sometimes hard to keep up. I was excited to see what this young side could do up against another really tough opponent. Also, lets be real, New York hasn’t been good on the road and Foxborough is no exception -  I was hoping to grab any form of result on the road, which is easier said than done.

 Starting XI

            The Lineups came in and there were a few changes I must discuss. Of course, having played just a few short days ago and with another away game coming up on, you would think that squad rotation would be coming in great numbers. Surprisingly, that didn't seem to be the plan for Struber, as ten of the eleven starters from Saturday’s win over Nashville would get the start. The only notable change would be Dru Yearwood starting for Caden Clark, who would be out of the lineup for this fixture as re recovered from an appendectomy. In my better judgement, I was worried about this lineup. I would have gone with some fresher legs against New England’s powerhouse lineup. I felt that, with a more rested lineup, RBNY could have really pushed their game plan much better. Nonetheless, we would have to see if this works or backfires for New York.

 Game Time

            The game kicked off with good energy form both teams. New England were definitely pushing the game early on – they were pressing Red Bull and pinning them back, making it hard for to leave the defensive third. With mistakes in the midfield and sloppy play all around, it looked like there were already some tired legs on the Red Bull side for this midweek game. This build-up of play made Red Bull fans extremely uncomfortable and worried that there would be goals to follow. Although RBNY had their chances and were getting some good opportunities on New England goalkeeper Matt Turner, they didn’t really test him much or force him to make any crazy saves. Eventually, a massive chance came for Yearwood, but his beautiful curling shot from just outside the box would end up hitting the post. This shot was easily the best RBNY chance of the game so far.

Unfortunately, those missed chances would come to haunt New York, as the Revs potent offense would deliver a beautiful team goal, which gave the New England side a 1-0 lead in the twenty-sixth minute. A beautiful pass from Carles Gil and a calm finish by Tajon Buchanan led to the first of many goals for New England. In fact, this score line would not stay that way for long, as just moments later New England would slot in their second goal, thanks to a sweet and steady finish from New England’s Dejuan Jones. The New York defense continued to look gassed so, with half time looming, they set their sights on getting to the half without allowing any other goals. Coronel would have to make a few more saves before halftime just keep it at 2-0 at the half. The entire first half was probably the worst half this New York side has had all year – as a fan, it was difficultly to find hope for the second half. Hopefully, the half time break would lead to a much better RBNY side.

“Not long after the half started, a mistake on a RBNY set piece led to a Gustavo Bou breakaway that he would finish coolly. This was the absolute worst way to start the second half for RBNY.”

             As the second half kicked off, most Red Bull fans were probably wondering if the team could bounce back against arguably the best team in the MLS. Not long after the half started, a mistake on a RBNY set piece led to a Gustavo Bou breakaway that he would finish coolly. This was the absolute worst way to start the second half for RBNY. Now up by three, New England was flying. However, this New York side had not given up at any point this year and, from this point on, New England would see a completely different NY side. In the blink of an eye, RBNY newcomer Patryk Klimala would find his first MLS goal after a New England defensive error. This goal opened the door to a second half comeback - with this young and relentless Red Bull team, nothing is impossible. At this point in the game, both teams were exchanging good opportunities back and forth, but nothing put either ‘keeper under that much pressure. Then, out of nowhere, a sloppy defensive play off a New England corner would see defender Andres Reyes hit a deflected ball right into the back of the net. Reyes has given RBNY some a new energy on set pieces, which is something this side has really been missing. With roughly fifteen minutes left, Red Bull fans could believe the comeback was possible. Unfortunately, it was not to be - this score line would hold and RBNY would once again fall to New England in consecutive fixtures.

“In the blink of an eye, RBNY newcomer Patryk Klimala would find his first MLS goal after a New England defensive error. This goal opened the door to a second half comeback - with this young and relentless Red Bull team, nothing is impossible.”

 Final Thoughts

            Another disappointed attempt in Foxborough would see RBNY crash out against one of the best in MLS. Of course, there are many things I can break down about how they ended up here, but I continue to look at the positives and stay hopeful. This extremely young and new team never gave up - it doesn't matter the team, the score line or the venue, RBNY are going to fight to the very end, no matter how many goals they are down by. As for a fan like me, this is all I can ask for: that is exactly the type of attitude and drive that can help teams make deep runs in the MLS Cup Playoffs. With that said, I will not get ahead of myself there – the Red Bull system is still slowly being put together and, though there are many positives, there’s still work to do. New York’s defensive mistakes must be corrected by the time they face another tough offensive opponent in Atlanta over the weekend.

 As always I am here for it all.