Once A Metro - Week 7 - Philadelphia UnionAccept no substituteshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21683/metro-fave.jpg2014-04-18T10:25:57-04:00http://www.onceametro.com/rss/stream/53761252014-04-18T10:25:57-04:002014-04-18T10:25:57-04:00RBR 95: How to beat fried worms
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<figcaption>Mike Stobe</figcaption>
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<p>The Red Bulls finally won one!</p> <p>Jason, Pat, & Truman revel in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> first win of the 2014 season while giving their likes & dislikes in their best <span>Tim Cahill</span> & <span>Thierry Henry</span> impressions. Then they are joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/EmpireOfSoccer/">Dave Martinez</a> of <a href="http://www.empireofsoccer.com/">Empire of Soccer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SeeingRedNY">Seeing Red!</a> to talk RBNY, <span>Eric Alexander</span>, MLS, Mexican Imports, Jozy Altidore, a possible 3rd DP and <span><span>Ryan Meara</span></span>. They also get Dave to spill on his time in a band, and ask what it would take to get him to leave Seeing Red and join the <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/red-bull-rant">Red Bull Rant</a>. In the third segment, the guys preview next week's match aginst the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>, and where should Tim Cahill line up on the field.</p>
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https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/18/5627846/red-bull-rant-95-how-to-beat-fried-wormsJason Iapicco2014-04-17T18:00:05-04:002014-04-17T18:00:05-04:00Week 7: RBNY's first MLS win of 2014
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It wasn't a pretty match for RBNY fans to watch, but it was ugly in all the right ways: winning ways.</p> <p>For the first time since they put five goals past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> and lifted the 2013 Supporters' Shield, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> won a competitive soccer match. The 2-1 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> was not pretty. RBNY fans have seen their team play better - as recently as last Saturday against DC United. But the Red Bulls lost that game.</p>
<p>A win is a win. Even an excruciating, dear-God-don't-blow-this-please, kind of win is three points bagged. On to the next one.</p>
<p>Against the Union, the Red Bulls did not cast off the frustrating tendencies of this season. The result was cathartic: we needed a win to get this season up and running, and to move beyond the memory of last year's playoff loss. The manner of the result, however, was essentially a lesser version of the way this team has been trying to win matches all year.</p>
<p>In that sense, this match was encouraging. The team said it wasn't panicking, and it didn't. There was no great tactical overhaul in the starting lineup. Partly, this was due to circumstance - Armando and <span>Tim Cahill</span> still weren't quite ready to start - so <span>Mike Petke</span> made a minor adjustment: <span>Bradley Wright-Phillips</span> started up top with <span>Thierry Henry</span>; <span>Peguy Luyindula</span> slid back into central midfield; <span>Eric Alexander</span> became the left midfielder; <span>Jonny Steele</span> hit the bench.</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/16/5622832/3-thoughts-philadelphia-union-red-bulls" target="_blank">3 Thoughts: Union vs. Red Bulls</a>
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<p>Credit to <span>Mike Petke</span>. He's been fielding a lot of questions about tactics and panic since the team lost to DC. His increasingly polished media management skills have been tested as thoroughly as the fans' patience with his team. Petke is, by instinct, a plainspoken kind of guy. He calls it like he sees it. But that is the sort of talk that generates distracting headlines, ends up on bulletin boards in your opponents' dressing rooms, gets you fined by the league, and is generally counter-productive.</p>
<p>So Petke is turning himself into a more tight-lipped coach than his nature might have intended for him. Still, he is the sort of coach who will appear on <a href="http://www.seeingredny.com/" target="_blank">Seeing Red</a>, the highest-profile independent podcast dedicated to the team, in the middle of the longest season-opening winless streak in the club's history. Most coaches do not subject themselves to unnecessary interrogation when their team is at a low ebb.</p>
<p>Petke did not talk freely and openly because he is not an idiot, but he was as honest and straightforward as a man in his position can be - even divulging lineup information (he told us Armando and Tim Cahill would not start against the Union). This is to be applauded.</p>
<p>Our coach is not the sort of tactician who gets his playing style branded and evangelized. There is no such thing (yet) as "PetkeBall".</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">If I have 11 guys who are my best players and are playing in practice and showing me, I'm going to find a spot to put them in. <span>-</span><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/15/new-york-red-bulls-manager-mike-petke-defends-use-peguy-luyindula-top-alongs" target="_blank">Mike Petke</a><span> (mlssoccer.com)</span>
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<p>As he revealed in <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/15/new-york-red-bulls-manager-mike-petke-defends-use-peguy-luyindula-top-alongs" target="_blank">a recent interview</a>, Petke's current coaching philosophy is unfashionably simple: pick your best players, figure out how best to let them play. This is the approach Petke deployed last year, when he abandoned the 4-3-3 he wanted to use in favor of a pragmatic 4-4-2. This is why Eric Alexander, a player Petke rates very highly, spent most of last season on the right wing. And it is why Eric Alexander started against the Union on the left wing.</p>
<p>Alexander is not a bad player. He is, in many ways, a very good player. More pertinently, he is Petke's idea of a very good player: technically skilled, versatile and willing. Alexander will line up wherever he is told, and do his best to make it work. He did that last year, and we won a trophy. He did that last night, and we won a match.</p>
<p>Alexander can cross with both feet - a talent we haven't seen much since he doesn't often get asked to run around on the left. Against the Union, <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-NY-v-PHI/chalkboard" target="_blank">he attempted more crosses</a> than Lloyd Sam (in part because Alexander has apparently taken over from Henry as set-piece-taker-in-chief). This was, unquestionably, one his better games for RBNY.</p>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/17/5625144/video-highlights-rbny-vs-philadelphia-union" target="_blank">Video Highlights: NY vs Philadelphia</a>
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<p>The team started with exactly the sort of urgency one would expect after the cheek-biting frustrations of RFK. Henry set the tone in the opening minutes with <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/13995" target="_blank">a wild shot into the stands</a> from an angle that even he ought to have considered an improbable one for goal-scoring. But it appeared to reveal the team's priorities: to hell with possession, we want to score a goal.</p>
<p>The goal didn't come in the first half, and RBNY's newfound bustle and urgency resulted in a more even game than we're used to seeing at Red Bull Arena. Even when this team is losing, it tends to hog the ball. Not so against the Union.</p>
<p>This was partially down to Philly having the sort of players who know how to hold possession, and partially because the Red Bulls' were in an unusual hurry to get down the field and score. The latter point isn't reflected in <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/stats" target="_blank">the statistics</a>: misfiring counterattacks (we're not a team built for speed) and errant flick-ons don't show up in the numbers very often.</p>
<p>It was also due to the presence of a man, in my opinion, too often missing from the team in its early-season struggles: Bradley Wright-Phillips. This game has been treated as Alexander's much-needed riposte to the criticism he's been getting from the fans. It was a statement game for Alexander - no question.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">If you know football, then you know he's a class player <span>-</span><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/17/tim-cahill-responds-eric-alexanders-critics-if-you-know-football-then-you-kn" target="_blank">Tim Cahill</a><span> on Eric Alexander (mlssoccer.com)</span>
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<p>Judging by some of the commentary online, and from Shep Messing on MSG's coverage, the supporters are transitioning to a new scapegoat: BWP.</p>
<p>For this observer, that is a mistake. BWP has misfired plenty in the start to the year. Since delivering RBNY's first goal of MLS 2014, he's been missing from the score sheet. We have learned he is well compensated for this profligate goallessness, and this brings an understandable pressure from the stands.</p>
<p>BWP is a goal-scorer. BWP is not scoring goals. Stands to reason, BWP is underperforming.</p>
<p>Perhaps. But against the Union, BWP created both goals for RBNY. The first, in the 57th minute, was scored by Henry. Alexander played a one-two with <span>Roy Miller</span>, releasing the left back on a run into the box. Miller cut the ball back abruptly, finding Henry in space. And the captain did the rest: <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14010" target="_blank">one touch, 1-0</a>.</p>
<p>Alexander and Miller were credited with assists. Henry, of course, scored the goal. But watch the tape. Watch BWP make the run forward, carrying the center backs with him, opening up the space in the box for Miller's pass to Henry. This is simple stuff, not footballing genius: one striker runs the channel, pulling defenders with him, the other fills the gap. Sometimes the defense has it covered, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, and the man open is Thierry Henry: these are the sort of chances this team wants to create.</p>
<p>The problem recently for RBNY is the team hasn't been playing a forward who stretches the back line in this way. Henry likes to drop deep. Luyindula likes to drop deep. Cahill hasn't played much this season, but his work up front has been more as a back-to-goal sort of front-man. None of those three men is bringing a lot catch-me-if-you-can speed to the pitch these days.</p>
<p>BWP may not be much of a finisher at the moment, but his default-setting, the way he plays the game when the legs get tired and the mind is in auto-pilot, is a little different to that of his fellow RBNY forwards. And that is a good thing, because right now, our plan B is BWP.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">His hard work helped stretch the Union back line <span>-</span><a href="http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/redbulls2.php?article_id=36716" target="_blank">Kristian Dyer</a><span> on BWP (bigapplesoccer.com)</span>
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<p>It was a plan that worked out again for <span>Lloyd Sam's</span> goal. A long ball forward found Alexander on the left, and he looked up to see a familiar sight: very few options in the box. BWP was almost comically stranded between four Union defenders - but he kept running, and the defenders kept following. The result: space in the box, this time occupied by Lloyd Sam, who was almost concussed by a late-arriving Cahill, but still got <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14014" target="_blank">a clean header on target</a> and beyond <span>Zac MacMath</span>. 2-0.</p>
<p>Having a striker play like a striker is not an unusual tactic. No one need praise BWP for knowing how to play his position. No odes to Petke's tactical savvy will be written based on his ability to set up a two-man forward line. And BWP will almost certainly be back on the bench next time RBNY plays. If Cahill is fit, and no one else is injured, BWP doesn't seem to be one of the best eleven players available - and we know Petke's philosophy.</p>
<p>So while it is understandable that fans should grow impatient with the team's fourth-choice forward, such criticism could perhaps be tempered by some acknowledgement of his role and value to the squad. When BWP did find the net in this match, in <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14011" target="_blank">the 61st minute</a>, he was offside, and rightly criticized for not being more alert to the position of the defenders around him. He wasn't really being marked, all he needed do was stay onside.</p>
<p>But the disallowed goal - just like <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14001" target="_blank">his back-heeled effort</a> in the 21st minute, and <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14004" target="_blank">his howitzer over the bar</a> in the 30th minute - reminded the defense to pay attention to him. And both of the RBNY's goals came about because the Union's defenders were too busy minding BWP to notice anyone else (and lack of support from their midfielders, but that's assuming the entire back line needs to cover one forward).</p>
<p>A direct, straight-running forward who keeps defenders attention on him, peppers the goal with enough shots to be considered dangerous, and opens space for the likes of Henry, Luyindula, Cahill and the rest, is a good thing. He's not going to pad the possession stats, and his finishing is sub-par at the moment, but BWP was the major difference between the way RBNY tried to score goals in RFK and the way goals were scored in RBA against the Union.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/17/5624798/rbny-power-rankings-voting-week-7" target="_blank">RBNY Power Rankings - Week 7</a>
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<p>Two second-half goals at home should be enough for this team to win. The Union <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14005" target="_blank">had threatened</a> throughout the match, but <span>Luis Robles</span> had <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/13997" target="_blank">kept his sheet clean</a>. RBNY carried a two goal lead into the 78th minute, looking increasingly comfortable as time elapsed. Too comfortable.</p>
<p><span>Dax McCarty</span> can be forgiven for trying to do something on the edge of the opposition penalty area, but it didn't work - his pass deflected to a Union player and started a break that ended with a slapstick sequence in front of RBNY's goal.</p>
<p>It wasn't the most devastating counter-attack ever launched. New York had men back. But two unfortunate things happened: Conor Casey's shot bounced off the post at an angle that stranded the diving Robles, and bounced off Jamison Olave's knee to <span>Maurice Edu</span>.</p>
<p>The defense had been a little caught out by the break, now it was completely in disarray. Robles was scrambling to his feet. Olave (who had slid in to cover the goal line) was sitting on the ground. Edu was looking at a crowded goalmouth, but he had a better chance of scoring than missing. So one can understand why <span>Ibrahim Sekagya</span> chose to hurl himself in front of Edu's shot - and he blocked it. Unfortunately, <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-04-16-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union/details/video/14015" target="_blank">the block was with his hand</a>.</p>
<p>It was accidental, but referees shouldn't be dwelling too much on questions of intent. This is soccer, not jurisprudence. And if Ricardo Salazar were a judge, he wouldn't be one you would want to appear before. Salazar generally behaves as though allowing both teams to line up for the kick-off without issuing a few cards is sufficient benefit of the doubt. Once the first whistle is blown, he's got one hand on his back pocket.</p>
<p>Sekagya blocked a goal-bound shot with his hand. Sekagya was sent off. <span>Sebastien Le Toux</span> netted the penalty. These things happen. A little too often to RBNY, but we'll leave that discussion for another day.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK" target="new">Bulled Over: New York Red Bulls 2 - 1 Philadelphia Union </a>
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<p>The last ten minutes were nail-biting. Ten-man RBNY against a Union team that wasn't having much trouble getting hold of the ball. The team needed a leader to rally behind for the desperate effort to protect three points. The leader, in this case, was Tim Cahill.</p>
<p>Cahill is often described as being the "heart" of RBNY. For 12 minutes against the Union, he was the team's brain. A brain experienced in the dark arts of time-wasting.</p>
<p>It's a frustrating part of the game, and one the Red Bulls aren't generally too good at - certainly not as skilled as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>, or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a>. This may be because RBNY doesn't often get into positions where killing time is required. The Red Bulls have spent most games since winning the Shield frantically seeking a goal, not nursing a lead.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">It honestly felt like the hardest three points since I've been here on New York <span>-</span><a href="http://gothamist.com/2014/04/17/red_bulls_snap_winless_streak_with.php#photo-1" target="_blank">Luis Robles</a><span> (gothamist.com)</span>
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<p>Cahill staged an almost single-handed effort to kill the clock in the final minutes. He puzzled over free kick positions, fell over imaginary obstacles, fouled when he could foul, looked generally like a man in search of a delay. His antics were successful, so much so that Maurice Edu made a show of NOT handing Cahill the ball for a RBNY restart late in the game. Smart move: Cahill would probably have taken the ball, run off the field, and headed into downtown Newark to find a nice thank-you card for the gift.</p>
<p>When Thierry Henry, who may have suffered an Achilles injury in the closing minutes, was finally subbed off as Petke's contribution to the time-killing, Cahill tugged on the captain's shirt, as though willing him to slow his exit from the field.</p>
<p>And I, personally, cheered every sly moment of Cahill's masterclass. It's not a part of the game that should be encouraged, but it exists and RBNY falls victim to it often enough. We needed three points, and we got them.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the next three will come quickly - and more easily.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/17/5623230/week-7-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union-mlsAustin Fido2014-04-17T14:19:58-04:002014-04-17T14:19:58-04:00Video Highlights: NY vs Philadelphia
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New York Red Bulls got their first win of the year with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/17/5625144/video-highlights-rbny-vs-philadelphia-unionJason Iapicco2014-04-16T21:59:08-04:002014-04-16T21:59:08-04:003 Thoughts: Union vs. Red Bulls
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<figcaption>Mike Stobe</figcaption>
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<p>The Red Bulls finally get their first win of the season against the Philadelphia Union. It certainly took them long enough.</p> <h3>No more moral victories</h3>
<p>There was a lot of back-patting early in the season, like against the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a> and even last week against <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a>.</p>
<p>And, yeah, there were positives in those games. But the Red Bulls, with one of the most talented rosters in the league, went six games without a win. Positive signs are nice, but wins are the bottom line.</p>
<p>The team seemed to know that tonight. There was no slow start early on. They spent less time getting to know the opponent and instead focused on beating them.</p>
<p>And they did. A late red card to <span>Ibrahim Sekagya</span> and the penalty that stemmed from it gave the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> some life late, but the Red Bulls did enough to hold on and get the three points.</p>
<p>Did the Red Bulls play demonstrably better than any of their previous games? Probably not. But they got the three points and that's miles better than a dominating performance in a draw or loss.</p>
<h3><span>Sam keeps impressing, while Alexander steps up</span></h3>
<p><span>Lloyd Sam</span> kept up his impressive 2014. In addition to scoring his first goal of the year, Sam (again) looked the most threatening player on the field.</p>
<p>On the opposite wing, Head Coach Mike Petke opted to go with Eric Alexander. Admittedly, this pick elicited some head-scratching, but Alexander acquitted himself nicely, assisting on both Red Bulls goals and consistently getting involved in the offense.</p>
<h3>Injuries keep piling up</h3>
<p>Both Tim Cahill and Armando made appearances, the latter a surprising one that only came after the aforementioned Sekagya red card.</p>
<p>With those two back, the Red Bulls can breathe easier, but the Red Bulls might be without <span>Thierry Henry</span>, who suffered an achilles injury late. Henry has been showing his age a bit this season, but his goal to put the Red Bulls up 1-0 shows he's still got a bit left in the tank. Not to mention, it was exactly what the Red Bulls needed: a breakthrough. Henry has a knack for scoring goals when the team needs them.</p>
<p>If he's sidelined for any significant amount of time, the team will feel it in more ways than one.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/16/5622832/3-thoughts-philadelphia-union-red-bullsMatt Coyne2014-04-16T10:00:02-04:002014-04-16T10:00:02-04:00Predictions: NY vs Philadelphia
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>0-4-2, not a great way to start the season. How will the Red Bulls fare in their first midweek game of the year against the Philadelphia Union?</p> <p id="paragraph0" class="pgh-paragraph has-dropcap">Every game during the 2014 <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a></span> season will be predicted by Jason Iapicco, Matt Coyne, Tim Dean, Austin Fido, and Red Bull Rant co-hosts Patrick MacDonald, and Truman. We'll be <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ap0y6SW7grcedFhBd0pMQXA3N3c5RGlGdkhxcWJERlE&usp=sharing">tracking how well we do</a>, awarding points for each prediction. For each game, 1 point will be awarded for correctly predicting a Win, Loss, or Draw; and 2 points for a correct score prediction. Let's take a look at predictions for the upcoming game.</p>
<p id="paragraph1" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Date</b>: April 15, 2014</p>
<p id="paragraph2" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Opponent</b>: Philadelphia Union<span class="sbn-auto-link"><br></span></p>
<p id="paragraph3" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Stadium</b>: RBA</p>
<p id="paragraph4" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>TV</b>: MSG+</p>
<p id="paragraph5" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Kick Off</b>: 7:30 pm Eastern</p>
<h3>Matt Coyne: 1-1 Draw<br>
</h3>
<blockquote>Back on the draw train! Hopefully...<br><br>The Red Bulls can dominate the run of play, but it seems like they can only do it for 45 minutes at a time and it takes them a few chances to come away with something to show for it. Until they fix it, they'll keep it up with the lackluster performances. I have no reason to believe they'll fix it in time for the Union, if only because it's unlikely they'll have enough time in training.</blockquote>
<h3>Tim Dean: 2-2 Draw<br>
</h3>
<blockquote>New York's winless ways will continue for the simple reason that, to me, nothing is more annoying than a happy Union supporter and I've been having that kind of a month.</blockquote>
<h3>Austin Fido: 2-0 Win<br>
</h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="paragraph10" class="pgh-paragraph">First win of the season. First clean sheet of the season. These things need to happen. Not because we want them to, but because RBNY's players are good enough to make it so.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="paragraph12" class="pgh-paragraph">For the predictions of Jason Iapicco, Patrick MacDonald, and Truman, tune into <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/14/5612046/red-bull-rant-94-bad-in-d-c">the latest episode</a> of the Red Bull Rant.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/16/5619350/predictions-rbny-vs-philadelphia-unionJason Iapicco2014-04-15T17:15:36-04:002014-04-15T17:15:36-04:00Red Bulls getting back to full strength
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aNXhrvQ1s5Ah2JNfNIN-bQAMEgw=/0x0:3001x2001/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31671823/20140323_jla_aw6_235.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After going down to D.C. shorthanded, the Red Bulls come home with a few more choices in mid-week.</p> <p><span>Tim Cahill</span> and Armando <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/11/5605992/red-bulls-dc-united-injury-report-atlantic-cup-2014/in/5362057" target="_blank">were both sidelined over the weekend with hamstring injuries</a>, but evidently, they'll be back in some capacity Wednesday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/15/tim-cahill-armando-expected-back-new-york-red-bulls-vs-philadelphia-union-li">Franco Panizo at MLSsoccer.com reports</a> that the two are expected to be in the game day 18, but not in the Red Bulls' starting line-up when they take on the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> tomorrow night.</p>
<p>One would imagine Armando won't make an appearance, barring an injury, as <span>Matt Miazga</span> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MattMiazga3/status/455797368773156864">is in Dallas with the youth national team</a>. But Cahill could play the savior late, what with the Red Bulls' finishing woes over the weekend.</p>
<p><span>Bobby Convey</span>, Panizo notes, still won't be available.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/15/5618278/red-bulls-injuries-philadelphia-union-tim-cahill-armando-hamstringMatt Coyne2014-04-15T11:17:40-04:002014-04-15T11:17:40-04:00What we know and what we don't: Philadelpha Union
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BVs7O06xhH49NxD-AJERhUZOgRw=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31626109/20130817_lbm_ac9_290.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In which we examine RBNY's first midweek game of the season. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> are coming off of their second loss of the season after last Saturday's game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>. Luckily, they won't have much time to feel bad about themselves because the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> is coming to town in just two day's time. Still winless, this Wednesday will give New York a chance to notch their first win of 2014 in front of a home crowed in Red Bull Arena. Can Petke's boys get the job done? Let's take a look at their chances.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Here's what we know:</h3>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b><span>Mike Petke</span> and company aren't ready to panic...</b></li>
</ul>
<p>....but everyone else is. As Austin Fido eloquently demonstrated earlier this week, it's a supporter's duty to do a <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/13/5609240/new-york-red-bulls-vs-dc-united-mls-week-6-rbny-thrashes-dc-united-loses-1-0/in/5362057">little bit of panicking.</a> It's the player's and the coach's job to focus on what needs to get done in order to improve in the next game. As far as head coach <span>Mike Petke</span> is concerned, that's just what the <a href="http://www.empireofsoccer.com/optimistic-despite-winless-24955/">Red Bulls are doing</a>. Are the boys right in feeling confident after last week's performance? Maybe. Sure they dominated possession and unleashed an onslaught of attack, but as the <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/04/12/new-york-red-bulls-finishing-woes-vs-dc-united">MLS digital shows us</a>, what good is an onslaught if it doesn't yield any results?</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>This is a much improved Union.</b></li>
</ul>
<p>Unlike New York, the Philadelphia Union made some pretty impressive signings over the off season. Most impressive was their acquisition of US International midfielder, <span>Maurice Edu</span>. Edu not only helps to solidify the Unions defense by adding some stability in the CDM role, he also benefits from being partnered up with Philadelphia's new, Argentine attacking midfielder, <span>Cristian Maidana</span>. Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the Union this season can tell that the pair immediately and drastically improved an ailing midfield. <span>Dax McCarty</span> is going to have a wild night.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>The Union has been leaking late goals. <br></b></li>
</ul>
<p>Out of six games played, Philadelphia has allowed four goals after the eightieth minute. This is a interesting little fact considering New York doesn't really like to turn on the attack until the second half or later. If the Red Bulls are able to employ the same kind of pressure as they did last week against United, they should be able to notch a few late in the game. Look for one of Petke's late offensive substitutions to make an impact.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Hoppenot to be second off the bench for the Union.</b></li>
</ul>
<p>While doing some digging, a good friend (despite being a Union supporter, no accounting for taste, I guess) let me know of one absolute certainty. <span>Antoine Hoppenot</span> will be Philadelphia's second substitution. He'll probably score because life is stupid like that.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Here's what we don't know:</h3>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Will RBNY figure out how to finish?</b></li>
</ul>
<p>It's been beaten to death over the last few days, but the fact remains; the New York Red Bulls have a finishing problem. <span>Lloyd Sam</span> has been dynamite on the left side, roasting defenders and getting off crosses into the box all season long. Unfortunately, those crosses aren't being put away. How many times is this team going to ask <span>Thierry Henry</span>, who has never been very reliable with his head, to finish those crosses? If Tim Cahill is reinserted into this lineup, we may see some real production. Hopefully his return will also allow <span>Peguy Luyindula</span> to fall back into his most productive spot in the midfield, which will help to boost New York's attack through the middle.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>What is going on with Alexander? <br></b></li>
</ul>
<p>Did anyone else see <span>Eric Alexander</span> being one of the biggest goats of early 2014 before the season started? We didn't either. Apparently Mike Petke still doesn't see what everyone else has been screaming about for the last few weeks. Alexander just isn't getting the job done. Time and time again, the former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> man has been slotted into the CAM role and floundered. Even more frustrating is the fact that, regardless of how poorly Alexander has played, it seems like <span>Jonny Steele</span> has always been the first to be subbed. It's clear that he just isn't cutting it in the center of the pitch and the right side has been locked up by Lloyd Sam....so what is Alexander's position with this team? Maybe he needs to enjoy a spot on the bench for a few matches. Maybe he needs to be brought on as a late game sub for a tired Sam. Whatever ends up happening, we have all seen just how much he can contribute when playing in form. Sadly, Eric Alexander is miles away from in form right now and, as such, should be mile away from the starting lineup as well.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Will this be a repeat of last season?</b></li>
</ul>
<p>As you may recall, the Red Bulls notched their first win of 2013 against the Philadelphia Union at home. Could the two teams first meeting of 2014 offer a similar result? For the sake of the internet and #rbny, we sure hope so. This team is one more non win away from a full fledged internet supporter melt down and it will NOT be pretty.</p>
https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/15/5614904/what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-the-philadelphia-unionTim Dean2014-04-14T10:00:02-04:002014-04-14T10:00:02-04:00Red Bull Rant 94: Bad In D.C.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dbhtArkZ8FxMss7vsNqxEyWqzWs=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31581421/20130831_pjc_aa9_161.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Why can't the Red Bulls win?</p> <p><span>Jason, Pat, & Truman discuss the very disappointing 1-0 loss to D.C. United. Next they preview the midweek match against the Philadelphia Union. Lastly, they take a look at the recently release MLS Player Salaries.</span></p>
<p><b>WARNING:</b> <b>The Red Bull Rant is a free flowing conversation about soccer that may include adult language or topics. Listener discretion is advised</b>.</p>
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https://www.onceametro.com/2014/4/14/5612046/red-bull-rant-94-bad-in-d-cJason Iapicco