With an offense that has scored more goals than any other side in Major League Soccer and a defense that can't seem to get out of its own way, the New York Red Bulls rarely play a dull match. Here are a few things to look out for come Sunday night at RFK.
IN ATTACK
While there is no magic formula to shuttingdown the league's best attacking player, there are a few things teams can do tolimit the damage caused by Thierry Henry. At 34, Henry is still plenty mobile but prefers to play in a more staticrole. As a result, the key todefending the Frenchman is to negatively impact the service to both he andstrike-partner Kenny Cooper. Muchof this work will be done in United's midfield - specifically out wide - whereDanny Cruz and Nick DeLeon have both been very effective in denying time andspace for opposing outside backs to serve the ball forward. A frustrated Henry will drop deeper anddeeper towards his own goal to get the ball, and that is what D.C. must hopefor on Sunday.
Despite his generally bad attitude sincejoining MLS, Rafa Marquez' absence through suspension should significantly slowthe New York attack. Say what youwill about the Mexican international, but his one-touch passing can unlock eventhe most intense pressure. The RedBulls have no equivalent replacement that might fill his role as thetransitioning link between defense and attack.
One particularly interesting match-up Sundaywill be that of Dane Richards and Daniel Woolard down the right flank of NewYork's attack. Richards struggledto start the season but seemed to turn a corner with his performance in SanJose last week. Woolard has beenon a roll of late and must continue that trend against the speedy Jamaican.
IN DEFENSE
Goalkeeper Ryan Meara likely entered thisseason as Hans Backe's main concern in defense, but the rookie has been one ofthe few bright spots along a back line that has allowed ten goals through sixmatches.
Central defender Markus Holgersson hasstruggled exceptionally since coming over from Sweden, as the 27-year-old lacksthe pace often required in the middle of an MLS back four. His partnership with Stephen Keellooked far from impenetrable last Saturday against San Jose, and - if theirchemistry doesn't improve - United should capitalize. When an attacking player has broken down New York's midfieldthe Red Bull defense is at times late to step up, a flaw that could open upsome opportunities for D.C. to shoot from distance.
Though United's wide play hasn't yet provided the consistentoffensive punch that Ben Olsen is looking for, Sunday might be a good place tostart. New York's wingers areoverwhelmingly offensive and with rookie Connor Lade expected to start in placeof the injured Roy Miller at left back, there will surely be opportunities forthe Black-and-Red's outside midfielders.
