May 11, 2008

LEAVING LOS ANGELES



We're at the airport now - a day after the Red Bulls took a gutsy, 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy last night. A lot of great story lines for fans from last night:

- Forward Juan Pablo Angel scoring his first goal of the season after a fantastic run and through ball by Dane Richards. We know it's been a frustrating season thus far for Juan Pablo, who hasn't felt 100-percent with a tight hamstring, so it's great to see him find the back of the net.

- What about Richards? First start of the season and he make an impact with his pace. A good reminder why he was a MLS Rookie of the Year finalist last sesaon.

- From the streets of Cape Town, South Africa to playing in front of 27,000 fans, Danleigh Borman's first ever MLS goal couldn't have been more memorable. His cartwheel and somersault celebration definitely left something to be desired (and his teammates did not hesitate to remind him of that), but Borman has earned a significant amount of playing time and has made an impact.

- With Claudio Reyna and Seth Stammler out, Luke Sassano plugged in at the center of the field and had an industrious performance. With 12 family members and friends in the stands, the Orinda, CA helped limit the Galaxy offense. Also, Dave van den Bergh, playing at left back, did a good job in limiting David Beckham for most of the game.

- Goalkeeper Jon Conway continued his impressive season, making a number of key saves, including stuffing an open Mike Randolph after the Red Bulls went 2-1 up, in what could be considered the save of the game.

Here is some reading for you:

Jack Bell of The New York Times gives his player ratings

Michael Lewis of BigAppleSoccer.com

Grahame Jones of The Los Angeles Times

Greg Daurio of MLSNet.com

Luis Bueno of MLSNet.com

Associated Press


What was your take on the game? Who were your three stars? Give us your thoughts as we prepare for the Wizards on Saturday.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Go Red Bulls! The away victory over the Galaxy was sweet, especially considering the injuries to the players on the pitch and on the bench. That said, Conway was relentless and skillful in goal, and Angel kept them honest with his return to scoring form. In addition, it was great to see Richards and Freeman back in the line-up for full games. When this team gets healthy, it's going to be even more fun being a Red Bull fan ... I shun superstition ... for today ...

Ogre Dave said...

Congratulations to the team for a GREAT WIN against LA in thier territory. I love to see my team work hard and get 3 points on the road. Juan Pablo, Danleigh Borman, Dane Richards, All of the defense, Altidore and the rest of the team.... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

-A Red Bull Fan

P.S. Let's get this premier stadium built and get our team a great grass feild to win matches on!!