Quick Recap
RBNY were the comeback kids yet again this week. Going up against one of the better teams on the Eastern Conference this year, Toronto FC. Having Jermaine Defoe on the roster is a clear help to them, as shown by the last match. RBNY did not have Roy Miller in the rotation due to still being in Brazil for the World Cup, however Tim Cahill was back and on the substitutes list.
This was a great game to watch, both teams pushed very hard to try and get the ball into the back of the net. Toronto had two absolute beauties in this fixture. The first was Defoe’s goal in 55th minute. Defoe knew where to put it to beat Robles, and he did just that. However, in the 72nd minute of play came a candidate for goal of the season so far. Gilberto launched an absolute laser shot at the goal. There was absolutely no way Robles or any other goalkeeper in the world for that matter to save that shot. Even before the shot, Gilberto and Defoe were fighting over who should take it and who shouldn’t. Defoe backed off, and he was glad he did.
Now, the Red Bulls had a decent game other than the two allowed goals. Peguy Luyindola had a small header that proved to be effective a second later. Oyongo, who made his first start for RBNY, got his first ever assist in MLS last night. Great buildup leading to the pass from Oyongo, with a great cut before sending it into the middle of the box. In the 3rd minute of extra time, Tim Cahill gave a beautiful flick off his head to Bradley Wright-Phillips for a great equalizer.
The Issue
However, coming back like that isn’t exactly the best way to play the game. RBNY needs to not fall behind early and keep the momentum up. You can go up early, but going down 2-1 before the 80th minute is not going to help the reputation of this club. Coming back does help, but it doesn’t always win games. Being more defensive in the second half or even parking the bus can at least help secure three points on the Eastern Conference table. Take it from this scenario, in a high school 800 meter track race, you can win by kicking hard in the last 200 meters, but when you get to college or even at the professional level, it doesn’t cut it and it’s very, very risky to do. They need to take a commanding lead for the beginning of the match, then try to hold it for as long as possible. Toronto could have been beaten and RBNY could’ve kept the playoff hopes much more alive. They are still in the playoffs for the moment, but certain tactics must change. If they’re down 2-0 at the half, bringing in a more offensive formation is a good option, but being more defensive if they’re up 2-0 at the half is just as wise. The season has been shaky and late goals are costing RBNY points.
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