New York Red Bulls Vs Toronto FC: 3 things we learned – Red Bulls revenge
By Marko Babic
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.
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Here are three things we learned from the New York Red Bulls 2-0 win against Toronto FC.
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.