Photo by Jim O’Connor/USA Today Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
Much like their last contest against the LA Galaxy, the New York Red Bulls had to come from behind due to an early goal, but once again, the hosts did enough to earn a point.
After conceding a 25th minute goal to Gaby Torres, the Red Bulls came from behind via a Bradley Wright-Phillips penalty kick, earning a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids at Red Bull Arena.
With the draw the Red Bulls remain unbeaten through seven games, while the Rapids pick up their eighth point from as many games.
The Rapids opened the scoring via the all-important set piece, an area of focus for Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch throughout the season.
With Dillon Powers providing the ball right to the edge of the six-yard box, Torres was able to get the slightest touch to flick on a header past goalkeeper Luis Robles, giving the Rapids the 1-0 lead in the 25th minute
The lead lasted just five minutes, when Wright-Phillips leveled the scoreline from the penalty spot for his third goal of the season.
The Englishman’s finish came off a penalty drawn by Sacha Kljestan, as the midfielder was dragged down by defender Ben Newnam on a ball played across the box. Wright-Phillips buried the ensuing penalty kick, sending the game into halftime level at one, where it sat for the remainder of the contest.
Both sides put together early chances through Sacha Kljestan and Dominique Badji, who saw their one-on-one opportunities stopped in the 12th and 14th minutes, respectively.
Those chances continued into the second half for the Red Bulls, with a trio of looks coming within a five-minute span.
After Lloyd Sam saw his weaving effort through traffic snagged by goalkeeper Clint Irwin, Kljestan provided the Red Bulls with their best chance at grabbing a winning goal when his looping effort struck the post and bounced away from goal.
Just a minute later, Felipe had his chance, but the midfielder pushed his shot wide from the center of the box.
Wright-Phillips had a chance to play hero in the 90th minute only to see his header pushed wide, although the referee ruled for offside in the aftermath.
The Red Bulls look to bounce back from their second straight draw with a visit to the New England Revolution on Saturday, while the Rapids visit the LA Galaxy that same day.
Disappointing result considering it was a home game against one of the worst teams in the league. Sloppy first half performance, much better in the second half. RBNY created a lot of chances in the last 20-25 minutes of the game but couldn’t convert.
There was an article on here yesterday about how Marsch said RBNY’s depth would be tested in this game but he started 9 of the same 11 from Sunday, switching Grella and Zizzo and giving Roy Miller his spot back after injury.
Last week a few people on here were saying this team was so awesome they don’t need any upgrades but hopefully the last two games have provided a little reality check. There are certainly areas (CB, LW, striker) where, at a minimum, more depth is needed. Whether Red Bull will spend the necessary cash this summer is the question.
Agree, especially as to LW, where an upgrade (rather than depth) would be nice. Another striker to back up BWP would also be nice for the long haul. At CB, you already have Perrinelle, Miazga, and Zubar. Are there any others on the roster? How many do you generally need? The high-press system puts a premium on speed and not just strength at that position.
Strange to say, but nobody has mentioned the loss of Olave since the start of the season. Doesn’t he have a red card already?
The center of defense is where Marsh should get most credit. The back four is performing well in front of Robles. Kudos to him.
I think the defending was a little dicey at times in the first half yesterday, allowing some breakaways an near breakaways. Robles had to bail them out a couple of times. They fixed that in the second half. That said, Miazga will be gone for a least a month at the U-20 world cup. Zubar will be back but my preference remains a stud DP center back, which I think would really help this team.
An upgrade at LW is needed as well and another striker. The backup striker doesn’t have to be a DP type, just a serviceable MLS striker unless BWP is going to play all or almost all of every single game the rest of the season.
Olave was starting to decline last year and he’s getting up there. I wasn’t opposed to getting rid of him but I didn’t feel like he was adequately replaced although, like you said, the center back pairings have been solid so far. Miazga especially has been far far better than last season.
Thanks, MLS scheduling geniuses – 2 byes followed by 3 games in 7 days. Gotta leave room for that all-important International Champions Cup, too, and, of course, the epic All-Star Game.
The Red Bullies could go all the waa wa wa wa wa w w w w…….
The mighty, undefeated Red Bulls have the same points on seven games as DCU and Seattle. At this point, RBNY are kissing their sisters. Two consecutive home draws.
That no call on what was a clear PK must have made Pablo Mastroeani’s mustache curl.
What do you think Sacha Klestjian says to his teammates as they huddle around the ball for a free kick? “I’m feeling it.” I’d be like,…”….what does a ball in the tenth row feel like?” Take that weak stuff back to the Chumpions League.
Felipe’s dead ball service is abysmal.
What with the MLS scheduling,….two home games 72 hours apart?
First there was Sleepless in Seattle. Now the Red Bullies are going to bring you Legless in New England.
the sun is still shining; tomorrow’s a new day, etc…
Actually Brain K, the Red Bulls have one point less than DCU. That said they have played entertaining football for 7 straight games and I am sure they will make the playoffs. Something that knuckleheads like you probably thought was not possible before the season.
Wow! Straight into the personal attacks. Did you you have your morning coffee? Don’t imagine you were able to see any of the humor in my post?
BTW – the main point is that Red Bulls are undefeated,…but hardly playing like the best team in the league. That said,…I am not surprised that players like Sam, McCarty, BWP and Robles are playing well. They were strong performers last season. What is disapointing is that Klestjian and Martins have been OK,,..nothing more or less.
They were very close to losing last night. That was a PK that was missed. As to the playoffs,…who knows. It will be hard to finish below the hapless lot in Philladelphia.
Was half the stadium watching Montreals game and why where they playing Brazil from Colorado.