Because the New York Red Bulls have a lot of money, play in the biggest market in the United States, have no trophies and MLS wants to put a second team in the area, they get a lot of shtick from fans. A lot of it is deserved. Today, the pitch at Red Bull Arena is really bad. It's really easy to get pissy and complain that it's another thing the Red Bulls have screwed up, but this one really isn't their fault. There was a lot of snow in New Jersey yesterday, and it was that really nasty super wet snow. This isn't their fault. We should be happy they can play today.
New York Red Bulls Vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs: Pitch Condition Is Terrible
But, that doesn’t change the fact that this pitch is really, really bad. It’s causing a lot of problems. Neither team can pass on the ground to save their lives and players are slipping on the parts that were particularly chewed up by the giant bulldozer that plowed the snow. This game would probably be played primarily on the ground if the pitch were in perfect condition, but this pitch is downright awful. Both teams would be best served getting some big boys on the pitch and playing as direct as possible.
For more on these two teams, check out LA Galaxy blog LAG Confidential and Red Bulls blog Once A Metro. We’ll have live coverage of this game in our Red Bulls vs. Galaxy StoryStream. For more on the entire world of soccer and the rest of the MLS playoffs action, check out SB Nation Soccer.
See More:
