Juan Carlos Osorio has accomplished what no other coach in Metrostars / Red Bulls history has been able to achieve; notch an opening day win at home. And he must have wanted it too; it was over by the first minute.
Dave Van Den Berghs goal in the opening sixty was ultimately the winner in tonites victory against the Columbus Crew. Kevin Goldthwaite made sure it stayed that way with a tap in the 8th minute to end the score line 2-0.
The Red Bulls displayed excellent movement and possession, particularly in the first half. Claudio Reyna, playing centrally in an attacking roll, displayed many instances of creativity, though was notabley quiet through spells. An effective Oscar Echeverry drew a penalty kick on a Danny O’Rourke sliding challenge. Echeverry made the most of a rare start, due to a Josmer Altidore right knee contusion suffered in Thursdays practice. He and Angel worked together masterfully .
Angel, meanwhile, played a very effective game, but shocked everyone when Columbus keeper Will Hesmer turned aside his penalty shot. The shot was aimed true left corner, but Hesmer made an outstanding leap to avert further humiliation.
Osorio’s team lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation that quickly became a 5-3-2 in defensive situations. A suspect back three of Chris Leitch, Jeff Parke and Kevin Goldthwaite turned in a solid performance, save the two yellow cards that lead to the eventual red and expulsion of Jeff Parke (who will now miss next weeks derby against New England). Leitch and Goldthwaite collectively were able to stifle the veteran attack of a Barros Schelotto and the ever dangerous Eddie Gaven effectively.
Seth Stammler and Sinisa Ubiparipovic started the game at their respective CDM positions. Stammler was able to win balls, and Ubiparipovic could not. Danleigh Borman, the South African supplemental draft pick, took the wing side, replaced Sinisa and Van Den Bergh dropped back to Ubiparipovic’s spot. Ubiparipovic simply did not look match ready.
The attacking trio of Angel, Echeverry and a withdrawn Reyna created some exhilarating play. Reyna’s ability to calm the ball, and feed it to the forwards was a vital missing piece last season to an already imposing attack. Van Den Bergh’s contributions can not be ignored as well. One can only imagine what a healthy Jozy Altidore would have done.
Overall, an impressive win. Even with three of their most important starters sidelined to injuries, the Red Bulls were able to dispatch of the Crew with relative ease. Game one is in the books, and Juan Carlos Osorio has kicked off the season in an historic fashion.
Next week, the Bulls take on FC Dallas in Texas. The game will be televised live on MSG at 8:30.
