Harrison, N.J. – Following two straight blowout wins, the Red Bulls won a narrow and far more defensive game on Saturday night. In the 1-0 win over Kansas City a strong first half by New York was countered by a sloppy, poorly executed second half.
A look at the player ratings:
GK – Bouna Coundoul: It wasn’t a busy night for the Red Bulls goalkeeper, but Coundoul made every save he was supposed to make. Controlled the area well, and Coundoul made a nice stoppage time save to deny Sporting an equalizer. Rating: 6
D – Jan Gunnar Solli: After a two-assist performance last week in D.C., Solli was a bit quieter against Kansas City. Defensively was without mistake, especially in a busy second half. Rating: 6
D – Rafa Marquez: Missed the first half penalty kick on what was a rather poorly taken effort but his vision and quick thinking set up New York’s lone goal on a free kick. In terms of defense, Marquez won every battle and most importantly, was vocal in organizing New York’s backline against a three forward attack. Rating: 6.5
D – Tim Ream: An absolute clutch game from Ream, who was fluid on the ball and showed great distribution and poise. His man marking throughout the night left Kansas City with little room and time on the ball. Rating: 7.5
D – Roy Miller: A quietly solid night for Miller, who continues to play with confidence. Moved forward very well into the attack as well and held a high line of pressure in the first half. Rating: 6.5
M – Dane Richards: Given the space in the midfield, more was expected of Richards who never seemed to settle into the match. Had a good chance at the end of the first half blocked by Kansas City and had a few decent forays into the attack with little to show for it. Rating: 5.5
M – Teemu Tainio: A groin injury sidelined the holding midfielder at halftime and the Red Bulls suffered without his poise and positioning. Not a stellar night from Tainio but his tactical acumen was very much on display. Rating: 6
M – Joel Lindpere: In the first half he was rather active down the left flank but left some gaping holes defensively in the second half as he pushed into the attack too much, leaving space behind him. Is showing a nice interchange and connection with the forwards. Rating: 6
M – Dwayne De Rosario: Assisted well on the game’s only goal and nearly had his first tally for New York off a long blast that was capably saved by Jimmy Nielsen in KC’s goal. An overall solid night including drawing the penalty kick in the first half, and lots of hard work defensively in the second half. Rating: 7.5
F – Thierry Henry: After scoring goals for two straight games, it’d be easy to be disappointed in Henry’s night, but the striker showed good poise and vision in getting a secondary assist on New York’s goal. His pass also set up the penalty kick early in the match. Disappeared for a long stretch in the second half but another solid enough showing. Rating: 6.5
F – Luke Rodgers: Lots of hard work in the final third for New York and showed great awareness to stay onside to score his third goal of the season, what was a rather easy tally truth be told. A knee injury forced him out at halftime and New York’s ability to pressure the Sporting backline suffered. Rating: 6.5
Substitutions
M – Carl Robinsion: The halftime insertion was tentative in moving forward and perhaps a bit overly safe in his distribution. With another match or two, Robinson should regain his sharpness and form. Good work and communication, though. Rating: 5.5
F – Juan Agudelo: Replacing Rodgers, it was an unspectacular night for Agudelo who had some half chances and worked hard but had little to show for it in a frustrating night for the striker. Rating: 5.5
M – Mehdi Ballouchy: Another late match insertion for the midfielder who struggled to find the game’s rhythm off the bench. Rating: 5
Kristian R. Dyer can be followed at twitter.com/KristianRDyer
