2015 MLS Team Preview: New York Red Bulls
By Steve Wynen
As the 2015 Major League Soccer season approaches (barring a catastrophe between player and owner negotiations over the CBA), it’s time we take a close-look again at the New York Red Bulls. I recently wrote about why despite all of the off-season changes they will still find success. How much success you ask? Let’s find out.
Quick Numbers:
2014 Record: 13-10-11
Conference Standing: 4th Place
League Standing: 8th Place
Finish: Eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final; 4-3 aggregate loss to New England Revolution
Top Scorer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (27)
Top Playmaker: Thierry Henry (14)
Greatest Moment: beating rivals DC United at home to take a 2-0 aggregate lead to the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Key Players This Season:
Bradley Wright-Phillips – the reigning Budweiser Golden Boot Winner had a breakout season in 2014. Tying the previous goal record set by Roy Lassiter and Chris Wondolowski, Wright-Phillips more than earned his DP contract he was awarded in the off-season. However, with DP money comes DP responsibility.
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Last season, the New York defense was saved by two things: Luis Robles, and the Red Bulls offense. With more defensive questions this season than last, Wright-Phillips must keep up his scoring pace from last season to cover what will looks to be a tough year for the RBNY defense. Anything less than a 20-goal season would be a disappointment.
Sacha Kljestan – without a doubt, Kljestan is the best off-season acquisition made by Ali Curtis. While there was initial doubt over what kind of impact the former Anderlecht and Chivas USA man would have, it is clear that with his Champions League experience and his ability to play box-to-box, he is an upgrade in midfield. Coach Marsch has also stated in Kljestan’s introductory press conference that he wants to use Kljestan as an attacking midfielder instead of partnering with Dax McCarty in deep midfield. Kljestan will be an integral part of the attack.
Eric Alexander had 9 assists last season, tied for second on the team with Lloyd Sam. Kljestan will have to match that number at least to keep the attack flowing.
Key Departures:
Thierry Henry – arguably the greatest player in MLS since 2010, the French legend leaves a gaping black hole to fill in the club. He was the catalyst for the team’s offense, with 14 assists, 10 goals, 86 shots (28 on goal). That kind of offensive production is going to be difficult to match. There are not enough words to describe the impact Henry had on the the club and the league.
It’s difficult to find players who can completely change the outcome to a game by themselves. I am very confident in the Red Bulls offensive lineup, but there’s only one Thierry Henry.
Jamison Olave – while the Red Bulls were scored on 50 times last season (tied for sixth in goals allowed in the league), Olave was the one consistent defender who made the necessary plays to keep the Red Bulls in games. With him gone, the Red Bulls are without their best defender. Recent signings Andrew Jean-Baptiste and Ronald Zubar have big boots to fill; one of them, or Matt Miazga, will have to grow into Olave’s role as the leader of the backline.
The Big Question: Can Bradley Wright-Phillips continue his goal scoring form without Thierry Henry?
Arguably the best attacking duo last season, Wright-Phillips will be going into the 2015 season without Titi supplying him balls in the box. What Marsch and company need to figure out is how to keep getting BWP service. We all know he can score, but without consistent service, the Red Bulls offense won’t produce. If BWP isn’t scoring at 2014 levels, then the Red Bulls will be in for a tough season. If he is, then the sky is the limit.
Outlook: Defensive questions will plague the Red Bulls this season, unless Marsch can find a suitable center back pairing. The likes of BWP, Kljestan, Dax McCarty, Lloyd Sam, and Luis Robles will have to be the consistent performers to keep the team in games and in the playoff race.
A lot can go right, but much can go wrong if they aren’t prudent. I’m going to to take the optimistic road: The defense solidifies, the offense produces, and the New York Red Bulls will qualify for the MLS Cup Final and defeat the Seattle Sounders for their first title.