(HARRISON, NJ)Jesse Marsch was surely smiling last night. His team had finally earned a result, and advanced in a competition that has long been an afterthought in the offices of the New York Red Bulls. The result is less important than approach in this case, and the approach was spot on. The Red Bulls first win since defeating NYCFC on May 10th, came at home against a weak opponent in the U.S. Open Cup. The Atlanta Silverbacks were little more than pushovers on the night against a high powered Red Bulls team that saw almost all regular starters in the lineup. The 3-0 score line betrays the true nature of the game as the Red Bulls could have easily won with 6+ goals on the evening. The importance of this match came down to several factors. While it is easy to dismiss the win against the lower opposition in the cup, the fact remains that the Red Bulls played the game on the night the way they had to start the season. Seeing a return to that kind of form is a good sign for a group that has played well and still failed to earn results in the last few weeks. Here are three things I noticed in the victory:
Three Things I Noticed: RBNY v. Atlanta Silverbacks U.S. Open Cup
- Felipe’s midfield role
Felipe has taken some heat in recent weeks for his play. His production has dipped offensively and defensively, and a lot of it has to do with positioning. Over the last month or so, Felipe has pressed further up the field leaving Dax McCarty on an island. Their early season success was based on balance, and leaving Dax to press further up the field created two issues. First, when turning the ball over, there was one last line of defense to protect the backline. While the defense played well for large stretches this year, it was almost entirely predicated on stopping the opposing teams in the midfield. When teams are able to run at this backline, they tend to have more success. After all, Damien Perrinelle and whoever his partner is on the day, are usually not a speedy bunch. They tackle and position well, but they cannot keep pace with quick attackers.
The other benefit of Felipe playing deeper in the midfield is his service. Felipe has been the set piece specialist for RB this season, and the reason is his long pass is pretty spectacular. What’s that? You don’t believe me? That’s okay, I understand your frustration. Generally, the Red Bulls have not scored off of set pieces this year, but I don’t know if Felipe’s service is to blame. Especially when he shows he can do things like this. But playing at a more advanced position, he can’t slot the ball past the defense. Playing in a deeper role, he can pick out streaking attacking players, something he does better than almost anyone on the team. Like this ball to Dane Richards late in the second half. The transition is deadly if you can stretch teams like this. It gives the attacking team an option to make a run at goal, or pull the ball back to the on rushing midfielders/wingers to create chances. Dax had a similar ball on the first goal. Poetry really.
- Sean Davis emerging
While he was limited to only one half of action, the promising play of Sean Davis cannot be overlooked. Sure he had a sweet goal, but it is the little things he did all night that really impressed me. Showing strength at times to hold the ball, knowing when to move forward or hold onto possession, and being in the right place at the right time on countless occasions. Let’s look at a specific instances separately. On the first, Davis receives the ball with pressure after Robles punches clear. He manages to hold off the centerback and create some space to move forward. Next, as both defenders start to close in on him, he fakes a pass. The move is really subtle, but incredibly effective. The defender in front has to choose whether to drop or commit, and the defender behind expects him to cut back and tries to compensate. In both cases, he creates more room for himself to operate. He looks up the field and sees no options on the run that are dangerous, and rather than trying to force something like a young player might do, he does indeed cutback and keeps possession by sending the ball to Dax McCarty. After switching fields and finding Felipe, Davis pops up again at a critical time in the attack. Felipe dribbles across the middle of the field and plays a quick give and go with Davis and then is able to find Mike Grella. Grella eventually crosses into the box to BWP for a good chance poorly taken. I know that is a lot for one play, but you have everything you want to see from a central midfielder in that moment. Strength, poise, skill, smarts, and movement. Nothing flashy about it at all, but brilliant nonetheless. It is also important because in that moment, Davis is essentially doing what BWP has been tasked with this year. By taking care of that part of the game, Wight-Phillips can be in the box close to goal looking to take his chance.
- Confidence
While the opposition was weak, the Red Bulls desperately needed to feel what it is like to win again. They haven’t really been played off the pitch in any of their recent games, but a loss is a loss. Each one takes its toll on the team, effecting the way they play. When a team losses, especially several games in a row, it will take its toll on them mentally. Players second guessing their natural instincts. A cohesion forged in victory is hard to take away. While a lot can be learned in a loss, a culture and mentality need to be nurtured in safer waters. While Atlanta showed they are not world beaters, it was important that the Red Bulls not only won, but did so on the back of the gameplay that has at times been lost on the team. They pressed effectively, and never looked in danger of losing. Most importantly, they created a ton of chances in the box, something they have been lacking over the last month or so. While Bradley Wright-Phillips probably could have done a better job of finishing his numerous chances on the night, that he had so many chances is a good sign for the Red Bulls going forward.
Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images
