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

By Marko Babic

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)
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) /
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2. Chris Armas wins the tactical battle

Since taking over from Jesse Marsch last July, manager Chris Armas has proven to be an astute tactician. He might not always get things right from kick-off, but his in-game adjustments have often made the difference for the New York Red Bulls. And that was once again the case here.

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Greg Vanney got the better of Armas in the first half. The latter was forced to abandon the high press early on due to the manner in which Vanney organized his midfield. More precisely, Michael Bradley functioned as Toronto’s deepest-lying midfielder, Alejandro Pozuelo retreated to take part in build-up play before re-joining TFC’s attack in the central channel, and Jonathan Osorio was given license to roam in the attacking third. As such, Toronto were able to pass through the Red Bulls press, create space for Shaffelburg out-wide, and play between the lines in New York’s half.

However, at half-time, Armas showcased his ability to change tack. He responded by withdrawing winger Derrick Etienne in favor of central midfielder Cristian Casseres Jr., switching to a traditional 4-4-2. Casseres’ defensive orientation, energy, and tenacity were key to New York’s re-establishment of their high press, insofar as he patrolled central areas more effectively than the attack-minded Marc Rzatkowski. Moreover, Armas cleverly exploited TFC’s left side by moving Rzatkowski to right midfield and deploying Kaku as a right-sided second striker, safe in the knowledge that neither Osorio nor Shaffelburg (and Nicolas Benezet later on) would be able to track back in time to aid their defenders considering their attacking roles.

Armas’ adjustments clearly paid off. Toronto FC had difficulty creating chances in the second half and both of the Red Bulls goals resulted from the attacks targeting the Reds left side.

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