OVERVIEW:

The Bulls currently hold a 2-1-2 record in the East, while once bottom dwellers LA Galaxy are finding a way to stay atop the standings in the West.  David Beckham and Landon Donovan have formed a 2 headed monster - a “Beckovan” if you will - that has been causing early fits with defenses this season.  The Bulls seek to earn a point on the road, with a line up that is beginning to read like a who’s who of ER fame.

CURRENT TABLE :

……………………….GMS……….PTS

Chicago ……………….7………….16

Columbus ……………6………….15

Kansas City …………7………….10

New England ………7…………..10

Toronto FC ………….6…………10

New York ………….5…………..8

D.C. United ………….7……….6

INJURIES:

Richards - (probable)

Eric Brunner - (left the team, as reported first on ASR)

David Roth - 3-4 weeks - knee

Marco Echeverry - 2-4 weeks

PROJECTED LINEUP:

===========Angel==============

Borman======Magee=======Freeman

==D. Van Den Bergh==Ubiparipovic===

Goldthwaite==Parke===Mendes==Leitch

==========Conway=============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ Jozy Altidore is being overworked and overtraveled, so says Coach Osorio.  It seems like a full year of playing games, and travelling cross country has taken a toll on our budding young star, and this may prohibit his entry into Saturdays big game.

+ Eric Brunner, as reported first here on ASR, has decided to forego a developmental contract with the Red Bulls after his original contract was negated.  He will now explore European and USL options.

+ Osorio looks to be playing a 4-5-1 for this game, so don’t expect a large array of goals.  The way he has been able to hold the teams form this season may prove to be just enough to hold back Beckovan and the rest of Los Angeles.

+ Claudio Reyna and Seth Stammler may be available off the bench, but will definitely not be a part of the starting 11.

+ If the 4-5-1 would be employed, it will be interesting to see if Mendes or Boyens gets the nod in the back.  It seems from early indications that Mendes is not looked at in the highest regard, which may allow Boyens to move into a more central position and allow Leitch to continue to man the right hand side.

+ Boyens is yet to receive his work visa.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Juan Pablo Angel v. Sean Franklin and Greg Vanney (Abel Xavier)

Coach Osorio believes it will only take one goal to make Angel forget his ailments this year.  And he may be correct.  But he will have to get by a resurgent Galaxy central defense.  Sean Franklin has been able to balance the slow footing of an Abel Xavier and Greg Vanney in the middle, making for more versatile defending.  And once you get past them, its only one Steve Cronin standing in his way for a goal.   I expect Angel to break the snide this week, and to do so with an emphatic exclamation.

Beckham v. Conway and the Backline

Can Bormans crosses in practice be enough to prepare for Mr. Pin Point Accurate David Beckham?  The Bulls are hoping so, as they will surely trot out a very defensive oriented lineup to neutralize Golden Balls.  If you see alot of bodies in the box, continuously this game, do not be surprised.  The absence of Reyna and Stammler will make for some important back tracking, which is why I would see a Hunter Freeman at wing to neutralize the Beckham affect even more so.

Jeff Parke v. Landon Donovan.

Jeff Parke has been the dominant leader of our back 3 (sometimes 4).  He has made the big saves, held form, barked orders and stablized a potentially horrible defensive situation.  Donovan is on a record goal scoring pace, stretching defenses like putty, and cutting through them like toilet paper.  It will be interesting to see how two men, at the top of their games, but on opposite sides of the offensive/defensive spectrum, handle each other.  Will Donovan do what he has done to defenses all season?  Or does Parke have enough to neutralize Beckovan?

PREDICTION:

The odds may be too highly stacked against the Red Bulls, though the infusion of a Jozy / Angel tandem up top would allow a more even playing field.  Nevertheless, without the midfield defensive prowess of Claudio Reyna and Seth Stammler, Saturday will prove to be a test of this teams defensive fortitude. 

 PREDICTION:  Red Bulls 1 - Galaxy 2

Goals by:

+ Angel (1)

+ Landon Donovan and Alan Gordon

Popularity: 10%

OVERVIEW:

Week 5 is underway, and the Bulls prepare for the expansion San Jose Earthquakes in this, their fourth official fixture of the season. The injury bug continues to ravage the Red Bulls depth, and Marco Echeverry has now been declared unfit to play, and will be gone for at least four weeks.

Meanwhile, San Jose comes to Giants Stadium on a bit of a winning streak. Okay, its one win, but for an expansion side, that just may qualify as a streak.

Will San Jose be able to take advantage of the undermanned and wounder Red Bulls?

CURRENT STANDING (including Thursdays Crew v. DC game):

……………………….GMS……….PTS

Kansas City …………5………….10

New England ………6…………..10

Columbus ……………4………….9

Chicago ……………….4………….7

Toronto FC ………….4…………6

New York ………….3…………..4

D.C. United ………….4……….3

INJURIES:

Freeman - (has started light participation at training sessions)

Richards - (has started light participation at training sessions)

Eric Brunner - (has started light participation at training sessions)

David Roth - 3-4 weeks - knee

Marco Echeverry - 4-6 weeks

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Altidore====Wolyniec=======
Van Den Bergh==Magee=======Sassano
====Stammler========Reyna======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Leitch===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ The forward lines take another blow as both JP Angel and Marco Echeverry are out for this game. Wolyniec is looking to take a start for this one.

+ Expect a few players to see their first action of the year, including Mike Magee, Chris Megaloudis and/or Eric Brunner

+ Chris Leitch, though scolded and vilified for his back turning performance on the wall against the Larentowitcz goal last week, is expected to start Sunday.

+ Kei Kamara recently lost a brother, which is why he broke down on the field last week against Colorado after scoring his goal. Faith and motivation can take a person a long way. Kamara will be a danger.

+ San Jose is looking for their first winning streak in their revitalized franchise history. All engines will be revved up for this one.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Jozy Altidore v. Cochrane, Garcia

Once again, Jozy is being asked to carry the offensive responsibilities for the team. This time, he faces a vicious defensive duo, which ranks with some of the best in the league. Ryan Cochrane and Nick Garcia, captain of this San Jose squad, will be looking to shut down the only true offensive threat they will encounter this Sunday. Its up to Jozy to make them look foolish, as he did to Igwe and Heaps last Saturday.

Dave Van Den Bergh v. James Riley

Van Den Bergh will have to compensate for his lack of speed in order to work his way around the feisty James Riley. Riley has become a key cog in the Earthquakes machine, playing persistant defense and throwing in solid crosses from the wings when pushing up. Will Van Den Berghs experience be able to out due James Rileys tenacity?

Jon Conway v. The San Jose Earthquakes.

Its Conway v. the entire SJ team come this Sunday. Knowing the wounded state of the Red Bulls team, expect a barrage of shots from various directions, in an attempt to make New York beat themselves, and not vice versa.

PREDICTION:

No disrespect to San Jose, but even with their depleted lines, the Red Bulls have a near healthy backline and keeper that should be able enough to push aside any threats, and the superstar in Jozy, along with the leadership of Claudio Reyna, to overcome the odds. Red Bulls win 2-1.

Goals by:

+ Jozy Altidore (2 - one with a Reyna assist)

+ Gavin Glinton (with a Kamara, O’Brien assist)

Popularity: 8%

OVERVIEW:

With the season into its fourth week, the Red Bulls find themselves at an even .500 heading into a showdown with the up and down New England Revolution. Red Bull killer Taylor Twellman is out with a long term injury, but the Revs have compensated well with their Gambian connection - Mansally and Sainey Nyassi. Will the Bulls, winless in their last 10 meetings against the Revs (0-7-3), break the snide?

CURRENT STANDING (including Thursdays Crew v. DC game):

……………………….GMS……….PTS

Columbus ……………4………….9

Kansas City …………4………….7

Chicago ……………….3………….7

New England ………4…………..6

New York ………….2…………..3

D.C. United ………….4……….3

Toronto FC ………….3…………3

INJURIES:

Freeman - 4-6 weeks - MCL (has started light participation at training sessions)
Richards - 6-10 weeks - (has started light participation at training sessions)
Eric Brunner - indefinite (has started light participation at training sessions)
David Roth - 3-6 weeks - knee

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Altidore====Angel=======
Van Den Bergh==Reyna=======Sassano
====Stammler==Ubiparipovic======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Leitch===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ Juan Pablo Angel is expected to be back in the fold this week, after participating full speed at practice this past Thursday.

+ The Dynamic Duo of Angel and Altidore have a chance to take advantage of the Revs weakened, and unstable lineup. Taylor Twellman, well known as a Red Bulls killer, will have to watch this game from the sidelines. Throw in an injured Chris Albright, Brian Noonan and a hobbled Jeff Lorentowitz, and one would have to think, all things taken into consideration, that the advantages are stacked for the home team. The Dynamic duo must do more to break the Revolution defense and net points for this game.

+ Jeff Parke is back from his double yellow performance (red suspention) in week 2.

+ Osorio is trying to bring stability to our lineup, after a year of flux and change under Bruce Arena (nearly a new lineup for every week last season). The above line up seems to be the squad that he is trying to march out there. With the injured Freeman and Richards in training sessions, this may be best shot for Chris Leitch and Luke Sassano to make the most of their precious quality minutes.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Jozy Altidore v. Michael Parkhurst

Without question, Parkhurst is the leader of the Revolutions backlines. With a hobbled Chris Albright, and offseason losses like James Riley, the defensive responsibility and leadership has been placed squarely on his shoulders. Juan Pablo Angel returning would be plenty to deal with. But this matchup is meant for Altidore. Altidore towers over Parkhurst, who uses his speed and placement to defend against larger players. Altidore will have to play on his height, skill and agility to best the diminutive all star centerback. And with very little help behind him, aside from Matt Reis, Altidore will have plenty of opportunity to best Parkhurst down the middle.

Luke Sassano v. Khano Smith

Luke Sassano is a rookie, with good size and mobility. Khano Smith is a one man wrecking ball. Smith, an emotional player, is a player who can be turned like a faucet - hot or cold - in seconds. He is large, imposing, and a very physical player. It will be interesting to see how Sassano handles a charging Smith, and whether or not Smith can play on his inexperience and create chances.

Claudio Reyna v. Shalrie Joseph

How can two of the best central defensive midfielders be considered a key matchup? When one of them is playing an attacking roll.

And from what we have seen, it looks like Claudio Reyna, at the tender age of 34, continues to learn and play that roll for the Bulls, with a good amount of effectiveness. Joseph has been one of the most respected CDM’s in the MLS for the past few years, drawing plenty of interest from clubs overseas, such as Celtic. To see the old lion in the new suit against another tried and true vet will make for some great football for sure.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls beat the Revs at home, 1-0.

Goal by:
+ Jozy Altidore (Reyna assist)

Popularity: 7%

OVERVIEW:

Week 1 was a resounding success for the Red Bulls, securing a win in dominating fashion over the Columbus Crew. This week, the Bulls face arguably a more formidable opponent in their first away game of the season. The Bulls are currently one of four teams in the league that is undefeated. FC Dallas, similiarly, has not tasted defeat this season, but they haven’t achieved victory either. This game could very well give either team its first blemish of their 2008 season.

CURRENT STANDING:

……………………….PTS
Kansas City …………6
New England ………6
Chicago ……………….4
Columbus ……………3
New York ……………3
D.C. United ………….3
Toronto FC ………….0

INJURIES:

Angel - Hamstring - 1-2 weeks
Freeman - 6-8 weeks - MCL
Richards - 8-12 weeks - (has started light participation at training sessions)
Eric Brunner - indefinite
David Roth - 6-8 weeks - knee

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Altidore====Echeverry=======
Borman=====Reyna=======Sassano
====Van Den Bergh==Stammler======
===Leitch===Goldthwaite===Mendes===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ Angel will be unavailable this week due to a lingering sore hamstring injury. Jozy Altidore is set to start in his place, possibly along side Echeverry.

+ Kenny Cooper came back last week from a year long injury, scoring two goals against Houston. This week, he faces a depleted New York backline.

+ Jeff Parke will be unavailable due to the red card received last week, after two questionable yellows were called.

+ It will be interesting to see the roll Dave Van Den Bergh will play this week after scoring a bouncing field turf goal last week. Sinisa Ubiparipovic showed some bright spots last week, such as stripping Schelotto, which lead to that first goal by Van Den Bergh, but was mostly quiet during the rest of the game. This may create the room for Danleigh Borman, rookie from South Africa, to earn his first start on the wing, pushing Van Den Bergh to a central midfield / central defensive midfield roll.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Kenny Cooper v. Goldthwaite, Leitch, Mendes

With the leader of the back three, Jeff Parke, out due to last weeks card, this may present an opportunity for the massive and talented FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper to abuse the defense. The lone ingredient that makes what we see on paper rather skewed is the coaching of Juan Carlos Osorio, whom last week displayed that he can produce a quality defensive side with parts some would consider lacking. Will that coaching magic be able to produce enough to stop this Mack Truck?

Altidore v. Davino

Young Lion, meet Old Lion. Davino has become the leader and center piece of the FC Dallas defense. It will be interesting to see young Altidore take on a man of Davino’s experience and defensive ability. Ultimately, Altidore may be able to take advantage of the slower Davino’s pace, but experience can play a part in this matchup that can very well make this battle a toss up.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls tie the Hoops on the road, 2-2.

Goals by:
+ Jozy Altidore
+ Claudio Reyna
+ Kenny Cooper (2)

Popularity: 15%

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 8^th 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.

Popularity: 7%