Make shift Red Bulls, defeats FC Dallas

After that poor defeat against the Montreal Impact in midweek, the Red Bulls traveled down to Texas, to take on their next opponents in FC Dallas. With the short amount of time to recover, as well as the main starters given a chance to get a breather, it was a make shift starting eleven that powered past FC Dallas for a three goals to one victory.

Ryan Meara finally gets a start for the Red Bulls, that wasn’t a US Open Cup match, nor was it to replace Luis Robles due to injury. Michael Murillo finally gets out of the dog house starts at right back and this match was proof, that roster depth is solid for the Red Bulls.

In the 12 minute it would be the Red Bulls who opened the scoring and once again, it was a unknown goal scorer who has looked comfortable. Andreas Ivan was along the far side and when he originally crossed the ball, it was blocked, yet he got it back and sent it to the top of the area.

That’s where Cristian Casserers Jr. would run towards the ball, smacked it hard and low, beating Jesse Gonzalez to the back post for the one goal lead.

“First, I would like to thank God for the win and for the goal today. It was a complicated game today because they [FC Dallas] are a good team.” said Cristian Casserers Jr. “We put out what we practiced on all week and the game plan worked. It’s good to come away with a win here.

“It’s my second career goal here in the MLS. After constantly talking with Chris [Armas] about positioning myself in that spot because I would score. Today came the chance and I scored; he was right about that. I was able to capitalize that opportunity. On his performances so far this year...

I am thankful for the confidence my teammates and the coaching staff are giving me to put me out there and contribute to the team. I am just working hard every week and I’m trying to do everything that I can to help out the team as I continue to do so this whole year.”

Even though FC Dallas leveled the score in first half stoppage time by Jesus Ferreira, this side never showed any worry.

The Red Bulls regained the lead in the 58th minute when Michael Murillo finally showed, why he is the best right fullback in MLS as well as in CONCACAF. After a pas was blocked, the ball got to Murillo and he riffled a great ball towards net and he was ready to take the credit.

Yet replays showed that while it was a hell of a shot, Sean Nealis was in the right place at the right time, as his slight header deflects the ball into the back of the net. All he did was just tilt his head towards the ball, and the flight of it redirected away from Jesse Gonzalez.

Brian White converted his second of the season in the 85th minute a he collected a great pass from substitute Omir Fernandez, as he broke thru the defensive trap and converted inside the near post.

Ryan Meara made a huge save in the 70th minute to keep the one goal lead, before White converted his second of the season, but the truth is that you saw a team that not only knew it had fixture congestion, but at the same time, gave their reserves a chance to earn the full three points.

“It was a huge result. We had a tough loss on Wednesday. Sometimes the best thing is to come back out and get another game to right the wrong from Wednesday.” said Meara “We had a lot of fresh legs; a lot of young guys are looking for an opportunity. I think everyone stepped up to the plate today.

“I think it’s a testament to the club, just look at how Red Bulls 2 has helped the first team over the years now. Today is no different, guys like myself have played a couple of Red Bulls 2 games in the past months or so. It just helps you for when your number is called up to the first team, you step right in and you know exactly how we want to play. It’s a huge asset for us.”

After a poor second half at home against the Montreal Impact, bringing in mostly reserves and young players down to Frisco against a red hot FC Dallas side, Head Coach Chris Armas must be pleased with what he saw from his squad.

“I remain proud of the work the guys are putting in and that the staff is putting in. I’ve been around the game for a long time, and there is so much to learn.” said Armas “I’ve learned, and the game has taught me things, coaches have taught me things and even the players.

“I know what I am looking at I know that the work being put in is solid, it’s good and it makes sense to me. We keep getting better at sticking to it. We are looking like us, committing all the way.

It’s nice to see other guys get opportunities and it look much like us. We went after that game, so I’m proud of this week. The guys picked up six points out of the nine, but we were close to getting all nine.”

Now the club has a week off to rest and get back to training as they prepare for a big match up against what could be a rejuvenated Atlanta United side, who is hungry to get their first victory at Red Bull Arena.