Red Bull notes (FCD preview)

I have a couple of things to get off my chest today. One of them is born out of frustration with poor press releases. I reported about a month ago that the Red Bulls would be featured in the FIFA 11 demo. Turns out, it was a big lie! I downloaded the demo last night and the Bulls were nowhere to be found. I blame Kotaku, but their info game from EA. Having worked in the game business for some time now, I know how these things work. I’m confused as to how the misinformation came to pass, but I will only have to wait 2 additional weeks to play as the best team in the MLS! By the way, the new passing system is tricky. It will take me some time to get used to, but I like the semi-manual system, it has been a lot of fun to play around with. I’m also a bit disappointed that they kept the penalty system from the World Cup game, but I guess it helps to level the playing field.

Number 2, welcome to NYRB Medhi Ballouchy. I am very excited to see what you will be bringing to the table. I have been very satisfied with Tony Tchani and Rafa Marquez as of late, but if you have the vision that Hans claims you have, you will be an exciting addition to the team. I must admit, I have only seen brief flashes of brilliance from the once championed midfielder, but I think the supporting cast on this team far exceeds anything he has ever worked with. While it is disheartening to see Kandji go, you can’t argue with his lack of production and ineffectiveness on the field lately. Mac and Dane passed each other in opposite directions since he came back from injury, and it must be a lack of desire that keeps him from really pushing his game to the next level. I wish Kandji nothing but the best.

Carrey Talley joined the team yesterday and will hold the backup RB spot for the Red Bulls. While Talley is not a starter, he is someone with experience who will be a perfectly serviceable backup if Albright should go down in the next month. As the Bulls prepare for the playoffs, it is important that they strengthen the squad to account for any injuries down the line. The one place lacking depth is central defense, but if worse came to worse, Rafa and Stammler could fill in for Ream or Mendes. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen and things continue to run as smoothly as they have for the past month.

Tonight the Red Bulls will be taking on a Dallas team that has put up a great run of games as of late, but I can’t help but feel that they are overachieving. They have gone undefeated in their last 14 games, but have only one impressive win in the whole bunch. The combined records of the clubs they have remained undefeated against is 66-90-53 (Not exactly beating up on strong competition.). They did earn an impressive 2-0 win over RSL at home, and earned a 0-0 draw against Columbus away, but the majority of the streak is against lower competition. So it seems that FCD is overachieving, like a certain other Dallas team…

The last time the two teams met, the Red Bulls looked almost entirely different. Petke was playing next to Ream, and Hall. There was no Marquez, no Henry, and no Superstar Dane Richards, and the Red Bulls still managed to win the game on a late penalty. That team could cope with Dallas, this team should be able to smoke ‘em. The keys to winning the game will be with Marquez and Richards. If the two can keep up their stellar form, they will earn a lot of extra attention from Dallas, which should free up Lindpere, Angel and Henry. Teams have just been overwhelmed in games when that front six have played, and I have no doubt that Dallas will be too. The Red Bulls must limit mistakes that will put them at the mercy of a quick counter-attack where FCD have been dangerous all year. Finally, the Red Bulls must push the game from the opening minutes. In games against Toronto, San Jose and most recently Colorado, the Bulls have shown that a quick start will pay dividends. Can they keep up the pace in the Dallas heat? We’ll see. I’ve got my fingers crossed, how about you?

As always….

LET’S GO RED BULLS!