MLS 2009 Preview: New York Red Bulls

For today’s MLS preview, we have the ever-amusing and informative Dave Martinez talking about his team, the New York Red Bulls. Over at his blog yesterday, Dave shared a whole slew of videos from a tour of the new Red Bulls stadium. (Part 1 and Part 2.) If you’re a fan, you’re definitely going to want to check them out. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out just the general Red Bulls Offside.

Nuts and Bolts: What’s the big picture?

After a fairy tale run to the MLS finals last season, the Red Bulls organization, team and fans have raised the bar on this years expectations. A recent poll on our blog posed this question: “What is your definition of success this season?” The results were clear; 70% either voted for Supporters Shield winners, Eastern or Western Conference finalists or MLS Cup winners. As a side note, MLS Cup winners lead that vote.

The big picture for the Bulls this season is achieving success on all levels of competition. Coach Osorio has molded this team into a fast paced, quick footed, and dangerous attacking squad. Some big questions remain to be answered in the backline, but the assumed inclusion of El Salvadorian Captain Alfredo Pacheco on the left back, as well as acquistions such as Real Madrid and Barcelona veteran Albert Celades and Costa Rican right back Carlos Johnson may yet close the door on any past defensive deficiencies. The depth created with the new roster rules will enable Osorio to play very different looks to his lineup, and still be competitive. That will make the Bulls a competitor in conference tournaments that, frankly, they have never been able to compete competently in. The former structure wouldn’t allow it.

In the end, expectations are high, and Bulls fans are eager to see this revamped lineup take the field.

How did the team do last year and why?

A typically up and down Metro Bull season, marred by injuries and long periods of goalless droughts, that somehow took shape as it neared its end. The Bulls pulled off a miraculous playoff run that resulted in the clubs first ever appearance at an MLS Cup Final. With a hobbled squad, and a makeshift lineup, the Bulls managed to put up quite the fight before the eventual loss to Schelotto and the Crew.

The star — who is the team built around?

Hands down, Juan Pablo Angel. In fact, with the pending moves still out there concerning the defense, even more is being done to create Angel the type of service that will enable him to steam roll opposition defenders even more so in the left and right back positions. Though the depth of the team will enable others to shine, make no mistake; this is Angels team.

The newcomers — who’s going to come in and make a difference?

The Red Bulls made some great acquisitions this past offseason that should improve upon each third of the pitch. Dominic Oduro, formerly of FC Dallas, is a young forward that will be given the chance to shine as a forward. His quick pace will create opportunity when Angel is being double teamed. Pacheco, Petke and Celades will be huge leaders for a backline that found itself without any towards the end of last season. And last years late season acquisitions, like Rojas, Kandji and Mbuta, will be starting the season off from the very start, and Bulls fans will be able to see just how good these commodities are. The newcomers bring with them a faster pace to the attack and a stable of leaders that is seldom seen in MLS circles.

We’ll win the league if…?

The team is able to adjust to playing in multiple different formations, with multiple different lineups and partners. If they can shape shift their lineup, and remain strong, they will see great success, from the league table to the playoffs to the various tournaments scheduled this season.

We’ll be in trouble if…?

The teams defense gets hit with injuries or thoughtless expulsions. I believe the team is deep enough in some field positions to absorb losses, but the defense isn’t one of them.

Some things you may not know.

1) The Red Bulls have 3 former/current National Team Captains on their squad: Juan Pablo Angel, Jorge Rojas and Alfredo Pacheco (4 if you count Mike Petke captaining the US U-20’s long ago . . . ).
2) Coach Osorio is a former assistant for Manchester City of the Prem.
3) The Red Bulls will be playing in a new stadium, Red Bull Arena, in 2010.
4) In 12+ years, the Red Bulls have had 11 coaches . . . .
5) The Red Bulls have now participated in the openings of two MLS stadiums in two consecutive years; QWest in Seattle, and Rio Tinto in RSL last season!

My prediction:

Though I am captain optimism, I wouldn’t mind the Bulls getting into the playoffs, showing some heart, and making it to the semi’s. If anything else can be accomplished, it would be icing on the cake. But my prediction? As currently constituted, and with prospective moves being made right around the corner, I see the Bulls once again challenging for the MLS Cup. Yes, Chicago is very strong, and TFC has improved greatly, but RBNY has done enough to compete, and win. We shall see . . . .

img credit: blog.nj.com

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Category: World Football