I hate to be a downer and don't get me wrong, I am very pleased with the 3-0-1 start to the season, but I have to say I haven't been all that impressed with the Red Bulls attack. I feel like the attack has not been too dangerous throughout the majority of the first 4 games. We still struggle to get the ball forward and build a sustainable attack against a strong D. Altidore is left to fend by himself on many occassions. Van Den Bergh isn't breaking anyone down on the flank, and Reyna is playing so defensively that we almost have 2 D-mids on the team, and no attacking link to the forwards. I am happy the defensive soccer the Red Bulls are playing is getting results, but they gotta get better on the other end of the field. And I am not just saying this as a fan who wants to be entertained, but as a fan that is concerned with their attacking mentality as a whole.
Thats the beausty of it we dont need to attack if we dont give up goals Plus we got JPA coming game after next
Am I concerned? Not really. Look at the circumstances. We had to play one of the best teams in the league (recent results notwithstanding) while down a man for two-thirds of the match. And we still carried the play in a dominant fashion. On the road against Dallas (the conference leaders, mind you) we played for a point which no one can argue is poor strategy. Again, we carry the play and sneak a winner. Even at Columbus, it's hard to argue with the team's attack when Reyna was limping around for 70+ minutes and, oh yeah, it was absolutely absurd weather conditions. An hour after we left that game the seat cushion in my car was cold from me sitting on it. Mostly the perceived lack of attacking strength came from tactical decisions which were forced upon us. We still come out with 7 points from three games: two on the road and one at home versus the defending champions. We'll be fine.
I understand that mentality, but a big part of me wants to see better quality soccer, not just results. I want to see a cohesive team attacking as 1 unit, getting everyone forward, stretching out the field, 2 touch quick passes, 1 v 1 breakdowns on the flank that lead to great scoring chances, etc. I do believe the Red Bulls have the players that can do this for long stretches, but they just seem so focused on defending that the quality of their ball control attack has been sacrificed.
I think VDB has been dangerous on the left, we transition the ball forward fine and all strikers have to battle double-teams, especially ones with growing reputations. We havent even seen Schoop or JPA yet, you cant complain about the attack when we site atop the table!
Have you been watching another team, perhaps? The only thing I think we have a problem with is the actual finishing (shooting goals.) We certainly have seen what you are describing above, but the finishing is either over the goal (Altidore's current trend) or weak shots (Dane Richards needs a bit more meat on his quads) or just hitting the keeper (which is VDB's shotus operandi). But we've been creating many chances based on quality build up. I'd agree with you about being concerned about the finishing, but the rest of what you post is not accurate, in my opinion.
? From what I've seen, I completely disagree. We've kept most teams back on their heels with our attack, and our crosses have been consistently dangerous. Richards on the right side has been giving people fits. Compliment that with VDB on the left (who actually crosses better than Richards), Mathis or Reyna in an attacking role (both have actually been in that position for at least half a game), and the continuing growth of Jozy - and I think we've been pretty good. When JPA slots in there with Altidore, if he's as advertised and gels with the team, .... I'll take that set-up over most attacks in the MLS. ...Oh, and you can't underestimate the ability of Freeman and Dunivant to contribute to the attack when they move forward.
We'll be fine. don't forget one game we were 1 man down whole game yet won it. We have missed Schopp, JPA and also Mathis so far except for one game so we will be fine when complete and Angel get s going. Gotta love our defense and total commitment by team. This is a team that can win it all if we stay healthy.
With too many years of them not even passing the ball correctly or sending crosses into the stands, I'll take the way how they're playing. It gets the job done, it minimizes the opponents scoring opps, etc. The goals will probably come, but if we win games 1-0, 2-1, or whatever, so be it. We will have more attacking options available shortly.
Andrew. Clint was suspended on Thursday Night. JPA is waiting for his Working Visa so he can play on the club & Schopp will be ready after his rehab on his sports hernia. So don't worry. It's going to be a good season.
And don't forget, Mike Magee is slated to come back. [to the tune of Let It Be] Mike Magee Mike Magee Mike Magee Mike Magee Seldom plays for Metro Mike Magee
Thanks guys. I hope with the addition of Angel we will see more ability by the forwards to hold the ball and let everyone come into the attack. I guess I am already sick of seeing Altidore triple teamed and left helpless on numerous occasions. I also don't think the answer at attacking mid is Mathis, but I hope I am wrong. I will take your positive vibes and believe this team can win AND play attractive soccer. I believe they can do it. Go Red Bulls!
Game #1- Played in very cold weather in Colombus which affected both teams. Reyna was injured in the first half, so it had a lot to do with the slower play in the 2nd half. Also, barring a slew of injuries, Woly will not be a starter. Game #2- Played during the weekend of the floods (and they still managed 3 goals without Reyna). Game #3- Played a man down for almost 2/3 of the match. Game #4- Altidore was the lone legitimate forward out there and help is on the way. MLS being MLS, 4 games in April isn't enough to conclude with certainty whether they are championship material (because they're undefeated) or whether their offense is insufficient.
I think the offense has been fine except for finishing. While Jozey is a great prospect, he is still learning how to finish. He has had many chances where a more experienced player probably would have finished. Give him credit for getting in those spots but his finishing needs to improve. Once Angel arrives, the finishing will get much better.
They are playing some of the most attractive dominating soccer that they have ever played. The field is spread for the first time in my 7 years of going to games. They are forcing the other team into mistakes by playing a high pressure defense. They haven't allowed a goal. What else do you want??? Ronaldinho?
Exactly. This is the type of team Arena has built - keep it close and grind it out. If anything at least we won't have to suffer through game after game of them giving up a lead after the 80th minute.
Bruce Arena seems to be in line with Trapattoni. He would say (try to translate that ): "Footeball isse no like violina in teatro, isse result!" "Quality" soccer comes by-and-by as it has to be effective! I think Angel will solve most of your goalscoring problems and Schopp will serve him crosses and assists.
+1 J1m... Andrew... This team is still growing and look 100% better than last year's team... The finishing will happen... the rest of your worries are moot... We have a midfield that controls the tempo of thegame...the offensive finishing will become more prolific ...just you wait and see...
Not to pile on, but after over a decade of watching this team stink, I just want results. Lets just friggin win something.