New York's 3-0 win over Kansas City on Saturday evening showed a Red Bulls side that carried over their pre-stoppage form—heading into the break for the World Cup, New York won their last two matches.
A look at the ratings for the Red Bulls:
GK – Bouna Coundoul: He made several good reaction saves and smothered hard hit crosses and shots. Condoul didn’t look rusty at all from the break in play and was confident in controlling his area, handling crosses well. Rating: 7
D – Chris Albright: A quiet night for Albright, who rarely moved forward into the attack but was solid in defense. His individual match-up was always won and his team defense was solid. Rating: 6
D – Carlos Mendes: In the first half, as the Wizards pressed to start the match, Mendes was busy. He made good tackles and smart distributions out of the back. It was perhaps the best he’s played since the Bob Bradley era, when the team was called the MetroStars. Rating: 7.5
D – Tim Ream: The local boy estimated that he had 130 fans show at the stadium to support him. Ream played solid and his distribution continues to impress. The break was perhaps good for the rookie defender, who will figure prominently into the team this summer. Rating: 6.5
D – Danleigh Borman: The World Cup stoppage did not stop Borman from a very solid season. A front-runner for most-improved honors, he was solid in defense and in moving forward, striking a perfect cross in the first half that Salou Ibrahim somehow bungled. Rating: 7
M – Tony Tchani: While usually a central player, Tchani was called on to man the wings because of injuries. He played well and held possession effortlessly, having himself another solid start. No scintillating play, but no gaffes either. Rating: 6
M – Joel Lindpere: He picks his time to attack, such as a first half dribbling effort that split two defenders and drew a foul. Lindpere was solid, but not spectacular. The narrow field limited his time on the ball. Rating: 6
M – Seth Stammler: Rock-solid effort from the defensive midfielder. Got “stuck-in” plenty and moved forward well, including a second half shot from 30 yards that caromed off the post. Good, smart play from Stammler all night. Rating: 7
M – Sinisa Ubiparipovic: Always good with the combination play, Ubiparipovic was an asset to the team on the Wizards’ small field. He held possession well and moved down the flank with some danger. Rating: 6.5
F – Salou Ibrahim: The engines were always going for the forward, who had his best game in a New York kit. His goal came as the result of effort and hard work, and he should have had two more in the first-half. Overall a good outing, but should have had a brace if not more. Rating: 6.5
F – Juan Pablo Angel: Two goals for the Colombian, who is finding his stride just in time for the possible arrival of Thierry Henry. The first goal was sheer power, the second combined pluck with a touch of the mercurial. Rating: 7.5
Substitutions:
M – Roy Miller: Good to see Miller get some playing time after a recent injury sidelined him. He nearly scored just minutes after entering the match. Good defensive presence on the left side and moved forward well. Rating: 6
F – Connor Chinn: As always, good hustle from the rookie, who positions himself very well. Rating: 5.5
D – Mike Petke: Late game sub. Rating: NR
Kristian Dyer is a reporter for MLSSoccer.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs. He can be reached for comment at KristianRDyer@yahoo.com and followed on Twitter @kdyer1012.
