New York Red Bulls Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned

HARRISON, NJ – NOVEMBER 11: Kaku, Alejandro Romero Gamarra #10 of New York Red Bulls during the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semifinal Leg 2 match between Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 11, 2018 in Harrison, NJ, USA. Red Bulls won the match with a score of 3 to 0. The New York Red Bulls advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)

On Saturday night, the New York Red Bulls defeated Toronto FC 2-0 just two weeks after their 3-1 loss in Toronto. Here are three things we learned.

The New York Red Bulls jumped up to third place in the Eastern Conference with Saturday night’s gutsy 2-0 victory over Toronto FC. Both teams began the match in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formations. New York’s 4-4-2 high press troubled Toronto FC early on, however, TFC took control of the match by dropping Michael Bradley into the defensive line and Alejandro Pozuelo into midfield during their build-up play. Consequently, the Reds were the better side heading into the break but were unable to capitalize on any of their chances.

The home side responded by playing a conventional 4-4-2 in the second half, preventing the visitors from executing their preferred passing patterns, and posing a constant threat on the right side of the pitch via Marc Rzatkowski and Kaku. They earned the victory with an own goal in the 55th minute and a last-gasp Kemar Lawrence strike to put distance between the two sides.

Here are three things we learned from the New York Red Bulls 2-0 win against Toronto FC.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 27: Tim Parker #26 of New York Red Bulls reacts in the second half against the FC Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena on April 27, 2019 in Harrison, New Jersey.The New York Red Bulls defeated the FC Cincinnati 1-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

3. Phenomenal Parker

When teams utilize high pressure in the defensive phase, it is often the case their center-backs find themselves in vulnerable situations when the press is broken. New York Red Bulls center-back Tim Parker found himself in such a predicament against Toronto yet coped with his task expertly.

With Rece Buckmaster making his MLS debut at right-back and Toronto FC bypassing the high press by sending long balls to left-winger Jacob Shaffelburg, Parker was forced keep tabs on Jonathan Osorio, Alejandro Pozuelo, and Jozy Altidore, as well as step out to defend the right flank when Buckmaster was caught out of position or dribbled past by Shaffelburg. Parker made his job look easy, as his superb positioning, anticipation, defensive footwork, and patience prevented the opposition from effectively implementing their strategy.

The New York Red Bulls backline has rightly been subject to criticism in recent weeks, but it can become a solid defensive unit once again if they all take a cue from an excellent Tim Parker.