Everything is bigger in Texas, including the mistakes! (RBNY v FC Dallas)

That was an ugly game last night. It was a brutal, slug fest that had a ton of dirty challenges from both sides. The Red Bulls salvaged some pride with a draw, but they should have earned the win against the 10-man FC Dallas squad. Dallas did very well to achieve the result, and it was very reminiscent of the game at RBA earlier in the year. In a way, this game was a perfect complement to that game. All in all, it was a good result to get on the road, but it left me hungry for more. Here are four reasons why the Bulls were unable to take advantage of a tremendously unlucky Dallas:

1. Dallas held a deep back line throughout most of the game. In doing so, they took away Dane Richards speed advantage and neutralized his contributions to the game, although he almost got them on a terrific volley in the first half that was cleared by Eric Alexander (Who played a great game). Not only did the deep backline take Dane out of the game, but Henry as well. Playing as the lone striker, he was rarely dangerous because he had to drop back to get the ball and then turn towards goal. The best way to beat that kind of system is to cross the ball lots. Henry, while a great goal scorer, is not particularly adept at scoring with his head, although it does happen occasionally. In many ways, the Dallas defense did what Metro has been able to do, which is clog the middle of the field and force your opponents wide or to take shots from distance. They may have given up the midfield, but the gamble paid off.

2. Medhi Ballouchy played well in his debut, but he played much too safe. He needs to make those creative passes to open up defenses, but too often he looked to dish that ball off on the smart play. While that kept possession for the Bulls, it didn’t create too many opportunities. This is in no ways a knock of his ability, but it was clear that he was trying to still learn his teammates behaviors, and that he is not quite ready to run the offense. He did score a very nice goal, and probably could have had another if not for a very good save. I’d like to see him play with a little more flair in the next few games. When you start with two good midfielders behind you, you should not be afraid to take chances.

3. Roy Miller looked tired out there all day. He got into the attack well, but he did not track back like he should have. On the go ahead goal, Miller looked uninterested in the play and let his man dribble right though him. I expect this will be an exception and not the rule, but it could be that Miller is tired from all the travel in the last couple of weeks. His crossing could have been better, and I think he pinched in more often than overlapped on the outside making him less effective near the 18.

4. Angel came into the game too late. While the Red Bulls totally controlled possession, they needed a target man in the middle who could be dangerous in the air. Angel made the team more dangerous while he was out there, and it showed that the Bulls might have been better off with him in the game. I think Dallas was looking to play the deep line from the beginning of the game, and if that is the case, they were already going to give the bulls more space in the midfield allowing them to control the game. An extra striker would have kept the backline busy.

While the Red Bulls should have worked harder for the result, they were able to leave with a point. They currently sit 13 points ahead of TFC and are in terrific position to make the playoffs, but they still have some way to go to play consistent attractive soccer. In many ways, they let Dallas off the hook and beat themselves by playing with too much patience. The positives to take away from the game are: Medhi Ballouchu is a very good addition to the team. He may not be the experienced European that Backe wanted, but he is capable of handling this offense. Angel, Henry and Ballouchy can all play at the same time. While Tony Tchani has played very well as of late, I think it is important that they don’t shake the dynamic of the team up too much. Angel has played well for the most part, and taking him out of the game hurts the team.

And one other thing, Henry did not mean to inure Kevin Hartman. If you watch Henry after most goals, he kicks the ball away. It was probably stupid to ignore everyone else around him, but it was not malicious. He should be fined, but not suspended.

I’ll preview the LA game next week, until then, enjoy this weekend’s games and….

GO RED BULLS!