A tough loss against the Impact in Montreal won't help the Red Bulls' chances much in terms of climbing up the Power Rankings ladder, but the acquisition of midfielder Tim Cahill and the upcoming home-and-home meetings against Houston
could
alter the course upward once again.
The Red Bulls drop no lower than fourth in this week's power rankings after finishing second place overall across the board last time around.
We'll kick things off here with
ESPN Soccernet
, the only site of the four to place the Red Bulls third overall (albeit with very vague reasoning):
"New York announced the signing of Tim Cahill late last week. Then on Saturday, the Red Bulls reminded everyone that it's the performance of their back line that will determine their championship fate."
MLSsoccer.com also brings up the subject of the Red Bulls' back line
, placing them fourth overall:
"Failed to create some separation at the top of the East when they were knocked back down to size by the expansion Montreal Impact. More concerning is the resurfacing of the defensive frailties, which had momentarily disappeared for a good stretch."
Soccer By Ives
looks a bit deeper at the Red Bulls' recent acquisition, focusing on the potential for budding partnerships and chemistry in New York's midfield as they place RBNY fourth overall:
"The Red Bulls took a step back, looking shaky defensively against Montreal. The acquisitions of Sebastien Le Toux and Tim Cahill bolster an already-dangerous attack, but they will matter not if New York doesn't ultimately find the right centerback partnership."
And finally it's
Sports Illustrated
ranking the Red Bulls fourth overall:
"Defensive calamities cost the club precious points in Montreal, and Tuesday's friendly against Tottenham will be used to work out the kinks while welcoming the team's newest star, Tim Cahill, into the lineup."
What's your take on this week's power rankings?
