If you haven’t watched US v Nigeria matchup in Group B of the Olympics, look away now.

The United States met Nigeria in a game that could see the US advance with a win or draw. Their chances were drastically lowered when defender Michael Orozco threw an elbow, earning a red card less than 5 minutes into the game. The United States then had to play the 85 remaining minutes a man down against a potent Nigerian attack. The next 85 minutes saw a valiant effort by the United States, weathering waves of attack by Nigeria. Sascha Kljestan’s late penalty proved too little too late as the US lost 2-1. Japan was unable to help the Americans, who could still advance with a Netherlands loss or tie, after losing 1-0, effectively ending the United States Olympic campaign. 

Despite the disappointing end to the tournament, the United States can take away several positives. Stuart Holden had a very solid tournament, as did Sascha Kljestan. Freddy Adu showed some of his potential against the Netherlands, dribbling around up to 4 Dutch defenders, but failing to finish. Brad Guzan had a solid tournament, and made several key saves against Nigeria, keeping the US in the game till the very end. I was unimpressed by Benny Feilhaber who, minus his last minute header off the post against Nigeria, was overall unimpressive during his time on the field. 

It’s hard to imagine what Michael Orozco was thinking when he threw an elbow so early in a game that meant so much. We will have to wait and see what Orozco has to say about the elbow, any guesses? 

Lost in the midst of Wednesday’s news of Jozy Altidore’s transfer to Villarreal was the Red Bulls impending match with Chivas USA on Thursday night. Playing without the teenage striker, the team managed to scratch and claw their way to an unattractive, yet important, 1-0 victory. Juan Pablo Angel’s 75th minute header proved decisive, and Jon Conway made several key saves to preserve the club’s third clean sheet of the season.New York opened the match in the following 4-5-1 formation, with Conway in goal. 

——————–Angel———————–

Borman———–Magee————Richards

——Van Den Bergh—–Stammler———-

Goldthwaite—————————Leitch

—————–Parke—Boyens————-

The first half of the match saw both teams struggle to createany significant chances or gain control of midfield. New York seemed resigned to playing long balls up top, and struggled to maintain any significant attacking possession. But while the team struggled to produce any significant offensive threats, they did show their ability to defend effectively as a team; shutting down a potent Chivas attack.

The first significant scoring chance occurred in the last minute of the first half. Off of a throw-in, Jesse Marsch slipped a pass to Sascha Kljestan between two defenders, but his breakaway attempt was stopped brilliantly by Conway’s outstretched foot. 

The Red Bulls finally broke through in the 75^th minute. Dane Richards picked up the ball on the right hand side, and sent a perfect cross into the middle of the box. An unmarked Angel proceeded to calmly head the ball into the left hand side of the goal, just eluding Chivas keeper Brad Guzan. 

Chivas then began to attack in numbers, with substitute Ante Razov having several clear long range shots. However, New York successfully prevented any substantial scoring chances and left with a 1-0 victory.

Man of t he Match: Throughout this young season, injuries and absences have prevented the Red Bulls from establishing a constant lineup or any significant rhythm. But one player who has started every game so far is goalkeeper Jon Conway, and his steady performances have eliminated any lingering thoughts that he is not ready to carry the burden of being the team’s number one. Conway’s keys save at the end of the first half single handedly kept the game level going into halftime.

Key Matchup: The right side of the field was quite busy in the second half, as Dane Richards made it the focal point of the team’s attack. Opposing him was Francisco Mendoza, and the two diminutive midfielders exchanged blows throughout the game. Richards would beat him one play; Mendoza would put in a strong tackle the next; but it was certainly entertaining to see these two pacey players go head to head.

Up Next: The Red Bulls will travel to Washington to face archrival DC United next Saturday, giving New York some time to rest and recharge. Several players are struggling to regain form due to injury, including Juan Pablo Angel who is suffering from a sore back and hamstring; he was noticeably limping towards the end of last night’s match. But these extra couple days of rest should hopefully allow the team to get healthy for the match against United. 

Scoring Summary:NY — Juan Pablo Angel 2 (Dane Richards 2, Chris Leitch 1) 75

Chivas USA — Brad Guzan, Carey Talley, Bobby Burling, Jim Curtin, Francisco Mendoza, Sacha Kljestan, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Atiba Harris, Jorge Flores (Ante Razov 59), Justin Braun (Anthony Hamilton 66).

New York Red Bulls — Jon Conway, Chris Leitch, Andrew Boyens, Jeff Parke, Kevin Goldthwaite, Dane Richards (Carlos Mendes 92+), Danleigh Borman (Luke Sassano 77), Mike Magee (John Wolyniec 65), Seth Stammler, Dave van den Bergh, Juan Pablo Angel, 

Misconduct Summary:CHV — Jesse Marsch (caution; Pushing, Holding) 30CHV — Atiba Harris (caution; Tackle from Behind) 40NY — Mike Magee (caution; Professional Foul) 45CHV — Paulo Nagamura (caution; Tackle from Behind) 52

Referee: Alex PrusReferee’s Assistants: C.J. Morgante; Jeff Muschik4th official: Jorge GonzalezTime of game: 1:53Attendance: 9,521Weather: Cloudy -and- 72 degrees