HARRISON, N.J. – Saturday night was a tough one for the Red Bulls, who dropped a 1-0 decision to Los Angeles. There is no shame in losing to the league-leading Galaxy, but the fact that New York held the edge offensively frustrates Red Bulls fans.
A look at the player ratings for the match:
GK – Bouna Coundoul: A quiet match for the New York 'keeper, who can’t be faulted on Edson Buddle’s strike in the 10th minute when the LA striker went in alone on goal. Controlled the area and smothered several half-chances well. Rating: 6
D – Chris Albright: A tough match for the Red Bulls right back, who seemed uneasy moving forward. His distribution was lackluster, if not suspect, and his crossing lacked its usual zip. Rating: 4.5
D – Carlos Mendes: New York’s lone conceded goal split the central defense pairing with Tim Ream, but it came from a bad giveaway from the midfield. Other than that, he did well against the vaunted LA attack. Rating: 5.5
D – Tim Ream: See above. Not his best night, but the team’s leader in minutes played did well enough, winning his physical battles and performing solidly. Distribution, usually his strong suit, was a bit more timid. Rating: 6.0
D – Roy Miller: Perhaps the only member of the back line to distinguish himself, Miller got mixed up physically and stamped his mark on the game early. Moved forward well, though he ballooned a cross in the 88th minute as New York pressed for an equalizer. Rating: 6.5
M – Dane Richards: A very strong match for the Jamaican, who pushed forward very well. Has shown a spurt of maturity over the past two games, and the former whipping boy of the fans has performed with increased poise. Good defensive work rate too. Rating: 7.5
M – Tony Tchani: It's hard to believe this man-child is a rookie as Tchani is more than a handful. He can’t be knocked off the ball, and he wins all his tackles. A complete player who is savvy. United States fans have to hope he gets his citizenship and plays for the national team, because he’s a dynamic player. Rating: 7
M – Rafa Márquez: The home debut of the Mexican National Team captain was a dud. A poor giveaway set up LA’s goal, and he looked a step slow. Maybe the travel from Wednesday’s international fixture had something to do with it. Rating: 4
M – Joel Lindpere: He doesn’t like playing on the wing, which he was called on to do Saturday, but Lindpere did well. Got up and down the flanks well and covered plenty of space defensively. Rating: 6
F – Thierry Henry: Created some chances and took his knocks in stride, though still doesn’t look fully match-ready even though he’s played 90 minutes twice. Finishing must improve – and it will. Rating: 6
F – Juan Pablo Angel: Frustrated fans with a late first-half header off the post and some other missed chances. Wasn’t his best game, but the criticism was unwarranted – he’s at least creating chances. Rating: 5.5
Substitutions:
M/F – Macoumba Kandji: It was tough for a skillful player like Kandji to enter this physical and choppy game and make an impact. Did some good things on the ball, but it was a quiet cameo for him. Rating: 6
M – Seth Stammler: Have to like the bite he brought to the midfield, and his distribution was solid. A good substitute appearance from Stammler in calming the midfield. Rating: 6
M – Sinisa Ubiparipovic: Didn’t do too much in limited minutes. His first touch was heavy. Rating: 5
Kristian R. Dyer can be reached for comment at KristianRDyer@yahoo.com and followed at twitter.com/kdyer1012
