The 2016 MLS Season has already been one of ups and downs for the defending Supporters’ Shield champion New York Red Bulls. After a 1-6 start to the campaign, the team has managed to fight back to a .500 record (9-5-9). They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, four points back of division leaders New York City FC. However, a new problem in the midfield will require a sharp solution.
With only one win on the road all year thus far, this past weekend seemed the perfect opportunity to improve on travelling form with a visit to the last-place (and busy sellers) Chicago Fire. A disappointing 2-2 draw has felt much more like a loss, however. Reports this week have midfielder and team captain Dax McCarty out 4-6 weeks with a leg injury.
Dax McCarty Out: The New York Red Bulls Search For Midfield Solution
With only eleven games left in the regular season to ensure a strong playoff position, the club will need its young players to step up in a major way. Time could be running out on making one last run at this year’s Supporters’ Shield. We take a look at three midfielders who could provide a solution to the problem of captain McCarty on the sidelines.
Sean Davis
The former standout Duke midfielder signed a homegrown contract with New York in December of 2014. He shows the best ability to be a suitable replacement and solution. He made his debut in April of 2015 with both the senior team and the Red Bull reserves in USL. The 23-year old New Jersey native can play both an attacking and holding role in the middle. He has often come into games to substitute either Dax McCarty or Sacha Kljestan depending on match situations. This flexibility makes him the ideal candidate for playing time during McCarty’s absence. His ability to play in different positions allows head coach Jesse Marsch to change his tactics in-game if necessary.
Marsch has shown a bit of stubbornness in sticking with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation over the past two seasons, even during periods of ineffectiveness. But with opposing teams learning to bunker down and burn the Red Bulls on the counter, he may find that a change in formation using Sean Davis to be quite useful.
Tyler Adams
Another academy standout who could be ready to shine is 17-year old midfielder Tyler Adams. Joining the Red Bulls academy as a 12-year old, Adams has represented the club at every youth level and signed a homegrown contract in 2015. His brace against EPL champions Chelsea FC in the ICC last summer made many fans take notice and he could be ready to be a solution to the current void at defensive midfield.
Despite only making one start so far this season, his work rate and positioning could be extremely important when the Red Bulls are holding on to a lead.
Derrick Etienne
Perhaps the most exciting player in the Red Bull reserves at the moment is Haitian midfielder Derrick Etienne. Possessing incredible speed and breathtaking skills on the ball, the 19-year old has been a major part of NYRBII’s league-leading record in the USL this year (13-5-3).
Able to play on the wing as well as in the midfield, Etienne’s presence in the lineup would not directly replace McCarty’s skil lset but could set up exciting attacking options further up the field. If Felipe Martins can hold down the space in front of the backline on his own, Jesse Marsch could bring serious firepower on offense with Etienne in the squad.
Dax McCarty has been an integral part of the Red Bulls’ success over the past few seasons and a viable solution in midfield is required in order to make 2016 a success. While the team is fortunate the injury was not more severe, they will be anxious to have him back as soon as possible.
For the time being, we could see one of these young players highlighted make a name for themselves.
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