We’ve got a big one coming up tomorrow as New York Red Bulls, those shining beacons of Major League Soccer — at least in media estimation, will face off against our boys in Claret and Cobalt, who have lost two on the trot. But as strong as New York could be, and as strong as they’re estimated to be, they represent a threat in name and less in quality.
Yes, NYRB did just snatch the Emirates Cup trophy, but not for any dazzling play particularly. Instead, they played against an Arsenal side who couldn’t find the back of the net — and who had to try to work past 10 men behind the ball. Not exactly the mark of a side who think they can beat everyone, is it New York? Further dispelling the notion that they’re somehow a dazzling side who tear apart the MLS on a regular basis is their recent record, having not won in four — two losses and two draws — and with only a single win on the road.
That is slightly misleading, though: This season, those same Red Bulls have a staggering eight draws and three losses away from home, furthering the notion that they’re a side that focuses so much on defense that they have little opportunity for wins. In fact, with their 23 games played, they’ve netted only 30 points, and while we’ve had recent struggles, we’re at 33 points from 20 played.
Now, our recent form has been a bit dismal, but the mental strength we’ve showed at times this season (not in the last two games, mind you) should be encouraging. We’ve managed to stay afloat despite losses to key players, losses to ancillary players, and a loss in the continental cup. Those setbacks would destroy many clubs, so for our efforts to continue is reassuring. We’ve not so much just stayed afloat as we’ve paddled along, and while we’re not dashing to the finish line by any means, there is that old story about the turtle and that other animal and some foot race they were involved in.
We’re fifth in the west (and but a point behind first place in the east) and we have plenty of time to get our record straight. It’s a small comfort that we can struggle so mightily and still retain a chance at even the Supporters’ Shield, and it’s clearly a goal for the club. Perhaps it’s unrealistic, but if we can simply recapture that lightning in a bottle, we stand a chance. What’s more, we play the final game of the season at home, and it could be a beauty of a chance to lift a trophy (even if it’s not the one promoted most by the MLS) in front of the Rio Tinto.
So, until tomorrow, when I will have more of a match preview and some vague analysis of how we can move forward. The sooner we can put our recent losses behind us, the better.
Up the RSL!
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