Major League Soccer Playoffs, Leg 2, Preview: Red Bulls Trying To Hold Off Quakes
What we learned in Leg 1: In a match-up of orthodox 4-4-2s, neither of these sides can control the midfield. The match at Buck Shaw Stadium was a messy and jumbled contest severely lacking in quality. There were chances at both ends, but neither side played with a coherent plan or dominated the game. Unfortunately for football connoiseurs, it looks like both Hans Backe and Frank Yallop will stick with relatively similar systems in the second leg.
What we expect to change in Leg 2: As gung-ho as San Jose were in the first leg, they may be yet more aggressive at Red Bull Arena. With Thierry Henry still a doubt (and even if he is fit, not in top shape), the Earthquakes should be able to attack aggressively without too much danger of being caught out. Unless Backe adds a third central midfielder, most of the play for SJ will be fast exchanges down the wings, while New York will try to build slowly as they usually do at home.
You’ll know New York is in trouble if: San Jose can dictate the pace of the game in midfield. New York is a slow team, and we’ve seen throughout the year what happens when opponents stretch the Red Bulls with pace. The ‘Quakes came close to doing that on a number of occasions in the first leg, and the Red Bulls can be a bit tentative on their home turf, so seizing the initiative will be key.
You’ll know San Jose is in trouble if: The Red Bulls can keep possession. On paper, they have one of the best midfields in the league, and if New York stays composed on the ball San Jose will have very few opportunities to score. They tend to play pretty slowly straight out from the back, spread the play to the advancing fullbacks, and can pin the opposition well back if they hold the ball well. San Jose are going to need to take lots of shots, and New York dominating possession would obviously prevent that.
New York needs a big game from: Dane Richards was crucial in ensuring that the Red Bulls secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but was a peripheral figure last Saturday. The Jamaican winger has scored four in as many games at Red Bull Arena and is one of the few speedy options in Backe's arsenal. If the match becomes stretched as the Earthquakes search for an equalizer, Richards could be the man to put the nail in San Jose's coffin.
San Jose needs a big game from: This is an obvious one - Chris Wondolowski. The MLS Golden Boot winner popped up with a few chances in the first leg, but failed to score. Fortunately for San Jose, Wondolowski has tended to score his goals in bunches, and they may well need him to do just that on Thursday night.
Our prediction: 1-1, New York goes through 2-1 on aggregate.
Lineup projection, statistics: Red Bulls-Quakes Leg 2
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