Blame Game: Rafa and Bouna

by Dig Deep on Apr 4, 2025 3:40 PM EDT

Houston's game-tying goal came from the foot of Cam Weaver in the 50th minute after Tally Hall's goal kick was flicked forward by Will Bruin. It appeared that Rafa Marquez was in a position to intercept the ball but Weaver cut in front of him and chipped the ball past Bouna Coundoul, who was well out of his net. Immediately after the goal Rafa looked down at Bouna and clearly said something to the keeper. When I saw the play unfolding I was wondering why Bouna was so far off his line and if there was miscommunication on the play, apparently there was:

"I yelled to him [to] pass me back the ball," Coundoul said.

Márquez, however, disagreed.

"I didn’t hear any shouts or screams by anyone to call out for the ball," Márquez said, shrugging.

Two things trouble me about this confusion.

The first being where Bouna was on the play; if he was expecting a pass he should have been much closer to his line than he was. Bouna was as far out as the penalty spot and almost within body's length from the corner of the penalty area. It is hard to see exactly where he was when he came into frame on the broadcast (49:36), but it is clear he was well off his line and in a very poor position to handle the well-executed play by the Dynamo. If Bouna is that far out and was calling for a pass from Rafa there wasn't a lot Rafa could have done to get him the ball, Weaver had the inside track on the ball and certainly has a longer stride than Rafa. Just before Weaver makes his touch on the ball and flicks it over Bouna at the edge of the penalty area, Rafa pulls up to get between Weaver and the net, he was never in a position to get the ball back to Bouna.

The other thing that troubles me about the miscommunication is the disagreement between the two afterward. Perhaps there is a language issue, perhaps it might have something to do with the fact that NYRB has played 3 keepers in 3 games this season, or more likely it was Bouna being caught out of position. You can tell a lot about what happened by the body language of Rafa afterward, he looks as though he is in disbelief of what just happened.

Whatever the reason for the miscommunication I hope for the team's sake that it gets cleared up and that the starting keeper and the Mexican international come to an understanding. Communication is a very big part of defending, especially on plays like the Dynamo's goal. I hope we don't have to see a silly miscommunication and/or Coundoul being out of position cost us two points again anytime soon.

Sources:

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Video (for reference): Click here

The opinions stated herein are wholly those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of OnceAMetro.com or SBNation.com.

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Read More: Rafael Marquez (DEFENDER - Mexico), Bouna Coundoul (GOALKEEPER - New York Red Bulls), Cam Weaver (F - HOU), New York Red Bulls

Comments

Yeah

I’m in Rafa’s corner on this, and it makes me feel a little dirty (I know he’s a Red Bull, but he’s built up so much ill will on the MNT). But Bouna completely misplayed that. The first rule they teach you as a keeper is to not commit unless you’re sure, and if you do commit go full bore all the way. He came out tentatively, and then got stuck in No Man’s Land. Complete botch job on his part.

Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange

by bigbluethruandthru on Apr 4, 2025 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the feedback. All I really hope for is the two to have a discussion to prevent it from happening again, which I am sure has already taken place considering the type of player and leader that Rafa is.

To say that it is pretty important for the center back to communicate effectively with the keeper is a huge understatement. It’s crucial.

@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."

Blueshirt Banter

by Dig Deep on Apr 5, 2025 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Cam Weaver should never be able to out run you to a ball

Never. Both players are at fault, but as a Dynamo fan I can tell you that when the ball was played through my exact thought was “nice job Bruin but no way Weaver gets there first”. Even though Cam has younger legs Marquez was lackadaisical getting back. Bouna might have been out of position, but if it was my team I would have a much easier time forgiving a positional mistake over failing to hustle back on defense.

"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair

by papabear on Apr 5, 2025 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

I thought Rafa looked as though he was in full stride and made a solid effort to get to the ball first, but he wasn’t in a great position to get between Weaver and the net. Cam has much younger legs and a much longer stride than Rafa does. Maybe Rafa didn’t run as hard as he could have on the play, it is hard to judge from the video. Maybe he should have put a shoulder into Weaver and risked getting a foul so close to the penalty area… very tough call.

Normally I would agree with you about forgiving a positional mistake and calling into question the lack of hustle or effort on a play, but when the player who is out of position is the keeper and he has a less than sterling reputation… you get the idea.

Thanks for the feedback, I can’t believe that NYRB fans boo’d Ching, I was very, very disappointed in our fans.

@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."

Blueshirt Banter

by Dig Deep on Apr 5, 2025 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn't think Marquez was all out for that

…that’s probably just because of my shock that Weaver actually beat someone to the ball. His job is to win headers in the box, and almost nothing else.

I didn’t bring up the “US Reject” chant, or the booing of a guy with an obvious injury because I figured it would likely result in a bunch of nonsense…but I was pretty annoyed by it. Still am honestly. The fans involved have Zero class. BTW he is out a likely 2-4 weeks with cartilage damage that caused his ribs to separate He might try and play sooner if he thinks he can handle the pain. At least it’s not broken.

"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair

by papabear on Apr 6, 2025 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

That's good to hear

got nothing but respect for Ching. He has his limitations as a NT player, but he also fought hard out there.

Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange

by bigbluethruandthru on Apr 6, 2025 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

I like to think we are a pretty logical and reasonable bunch here. The booing was uncalled for, I just wanted you to know not all NYRB fans felt that way. To reiterate bigbluethruandthru, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Ching and the type of game he plays. Hope he has a fast recovery for you guys.

@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."

Blueshirt Banter

by Dig Deep on Apr 9, 2025 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions