A Month To Forget: RBNY August Review
The month of August was not kind to the red side of New York, as they finished the month with a 1-1-3 record, including a New York derby game that was postponed due to lightening and rain in the middle of it. The poor record is only the surface of the story, though: despite a hot start, the last month showed fans and neutrals that there are several issues within RBNY. Below are some of the main reasons that the RBNY season has fallen off the rails.
1. Lack of Chemistry
Though the team seemed to have chemistry at the beginning of the season, it doesn’t appear so now. With players coming on and off the injury list weekly, the overall partnership between players has really taken a hit. It seems like we’re back in the Chris Armas era – there is a different starting eleven every week. This has killed a lot of the momentum New York had going into the middle of the season. Even with players back, finding them time and places to play consistently has been the struggle for the coaching staff and it is showing on the field.
2. Lack of Star Power
Another big reason for the Red Bulls’ current slump is a lack of star power. Going into the 2021 MLS season, everyone knew that a lot rested on the shoulders of young Caden Clark – many felt RBNY would go as far as Clark could take them. However, since his confirmed move to German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and his appendectomy, Clark has not been the same. Clark’s drop in form has brought the Red Bull offense to an almost complete stop, as it seems like the RBNY forwards have suffered from his lack of production. If RBNY have any hope of turning this season around, they will need Clark to return to the form that he has exhibited in the past - the form we all expected going into the campaign.
3. A Disconnect Between Players & Coaching Staff
It appears that this RBNY squad no longer gels with the new coaching staff and their game plan. In nearly every contest this season, RBNY have looked up for the challenge, even against stiff competition. However, the team tends to give it their all for about a half, only to completely fall apart when it’s crunch time in close games. I don’t know if players aren’t following the game plan or if there is a complete disconnect, the latter of which could strain relationships within the club. From the outside looking in, it seems like Head Coach Gerhard Struber and his coaching staff have lost control and things are getting worse by the minute.
4. Lack of Veteran Leadership
I feel the Red Bulls’ recent slip is at least partially on the shoulders of captain Sean Davis. I had recently praised Davis for his excellent work as a young captain in an aggressive system. However, I feel that his young age and lack of leadership experience has caught up with him. I think RBNY desperately need veteran leadership, similar to the leadership that Dax McCarthy, Luis Robles and Bradley Wright-Phillips brought to the club. I think that a veteran player with years of experience in MLS might be better equipped help direct and lead this young Red Bull side, especially when things get tough or when things do not go their way. Davis has done well as a player, but I feel this current club in this current time needs a true leader at the helm - I don’t think Davis is up to the task.
Despite all of this, there has been at least one bright spot in the month of August: the blossoming of future star John Tolkin. The young outside back turned midfielder has been one of the only positives in an otherwise forgettable month for RBNY. While other players have experienced a dip in form and overall quality, Tolkin has shown that he may be a diamond in the rough, as he has been all over the field and making massive plays. For a fanbase that has every reason to be unhappy with the Red Bulls’ current run of form, Tolkin is one player to keep fans coming back.
I am unsure what the month of September will hold for RBNY, but I truly hope that August can be used as a learning experience for this young, new team. Hopefully, the troubles in August can be used a catalyst for a late season push for another playoff berth. Ultimately, I hope that this month is a blip on the radar rather than a season-long issue that may lead to a disappointing end to the season.
As always, I will be here for it all.
