By Alfredo Fumacas (Twitter : @talkingtodadoll)
(1-10)
Luis Robles 7.0
Despite only making 5 saves throughout the game, Luis Robles made 2 crucial saves that could have very well given another narrative to the game. The first one in the 33rd minute, when DC United was looking to answer the Red Bulls first goal (8 minutes earlier), and the second one in the 77th minute, that could have very well have put the pressure on the Red Bulls for the remainder of the game to defend the result. Robles would hold on to his first shutout of the season with the help of a poorly taken p.k. by Pontious in the last minutes of the game.
Kemar Lawrence 6.5
The 22 year old Jamaican native made his debut for the NY Red Bulls due to the injury to Roy Miller. Quickness, and strength, are some of the traits that make up Kemar’s calling card. His incursions into the opposition’s half were interesting and refreshing, but what was more impressing was his ability to recover into defensive areas to balance the team in their defensive transitions. A convincing performance by the youngster playing his first MLS game, on opening day no less.
Matt Miazga 6.0
Not a lot of work for NYRB’s center back pairing, nonetheless, the younger NJ native Matt Miazga (filling in for a hurt Zubar) looked comfortable enough in his season debut. His 6’3″ frame allows him to win most aerial challenges and his no frills approach to ball clearance kept him out of trouble. Miazga made a crucial interception in the 12th minute to deny DCU a good look on Roble’s goal
Damien Perrinelle 6.5
The other half of the center back pairing also had a decent game, not as busy as in the game against Sporting KC, but always with heightened focus and concentration. Perrinelle also showed confidence when it came to getting the ball to shorter spaces and congested areas out of the back, while playing a foul free game.
Chris Duvall 6.0
Not as showy as his opposite side team mate, Duvall had a quiet, yet consistent game. He could have been a little more supportive of Lloyd Sam in DCU’s half, but chose to play it safe and remain in spaces where he wouldn’t compromise the balance of the team’s defensive transitions in the event of a quick counter.
Dax Mccarty 7.5
This year’s armband bearer seems to already be in mid season form. His control of the midfield is a trademark of this Red Bull team, this year however, the partnership with Felipe will allow for Dax to do so much more. His work ethic on both sides of the ball is remarkable, his early release will prove to create many mis-matches for opposing teams. It was his deep pass that found BWP for his first goal of the season.
Felipe 7.5
Felipe will prove to be one of the Red Bulls best acquisitions this year, his chemistry with Dax McCarty, albeit in its’ infancy stages, continues to grow, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. A few crucial interceptions, including the one that ended up at BWP’s feet who in turn assisted Lloyd Sam for the Red Bulls second goal. The Brazilian’s organizational skills should also be mentioned, has he showed the ability to find teammates in tight spaces as well as an outlet ball when DC United threatened take away his space to maneuver.
Lloyd Sam 7.5
When asked about Sam’s involvement in the team’s attacking movement in the post game presser, Jesse Marsch stated that he has encouraged Sam to be more active and involved and not so much a line man. Sam has done just that, often dragging a couple opponents with him on his interior dribbles, as well as beating defenders with his blinding pace down the line. Sam’s quickness allows him to quickly get into the final third where BWP is usually mismatched against two defenders.
Sal Zizzo 6.5
Getting his first start of the season, the San Diego native played on the left side of the midfield and had a decent outing. Although not as active, and as a factor as Sam, Zizzo was solid on the left providing defensive balance in the midfield, and making a case for a starting position in Marsch’s team.
Sacha Kljestan 6.5
As the top vertex of the Red Bulls midfield triangle, Sacha played most of the game between lines. The former Anderlecht man may have not gotten a lot touches on the ball, but his movements were important to open up passing, and cutting lanes for both Zizzo, Sam, as well as spaces for BWP to check into to get the ball. Sacha has a good touch early from a corned service, where he turned on a low ball, but couldn’t get a good shot off.
Bradley Wright Phillips 8
Last year’s Golden Boot recipient, will have a much harder task winning the award this year after the departure of Thierry Henry and the change in style Jesse Marsch has brought on to this Red Bull team. Nevertheless, BWP is, and will continue to be one of the league’s premiere goal scorers. In his first goal of the season, BWP brought down a deep ball from McCarty, poked it over the defender before unleashing a shot across his body, through the space he had just pulled the defender away from. Playing with his back to the goal most of the time, BWP also managed to find Sam for the Red Bulls’ second goal, and a few other times, which earned him the Man of the Match award.
Dane Richards 5.5
When Richards left the Red Bulls for Vancouver he left has a fan favorite, and second in the all time games played for the Red Bulls, almost 3 years later, Richards still holds a special place in the hearts of the South Ward fans. Richards came into the game with 25 minutes left, to an ovation from the Red Bull faithful. He had time to show he is still as pacy as when he left, it will be interesting where he will fit in this Red Bull team.
Anatole Abang N/A
Came in for BWP in the last minute of the game.
