MLS 2010 Preview: New York Red Bulls

Monday, 22 March 10, 08:00 AM · Comments (0)

New York has gone from league laughing stock to the envy of some without playing a competitive match. The grand opening on Saturday of Red Bull Arena gave New York a chance to show off their crown jewel, and the home team didn't disappoint in a 3-1 win against Brazilian club Santos.

If the Red Bulls are half as good as the new stadium looks in 2010, they'll certainly contend for a postseason appearance.

However, there's much to be done before penciling them in, and one positive result in a preseason match doesn't mean that Hans Backe will prove up to the task of succeeding in MLS. A whole scale roster changeover has taken place and only when the season starts can New York truly prove a point.

Impact Players

The goal production of Juan Pablo Angel will be worth watching. Playing on the natural grass of Red Bull Arena should help him, both with injuries and scoring. A smooth surface will aid service and ball control -- expect Angel's numbers to stay up this year.

Two of a host of new acquisitions, midfielders Carl Robinson and Joel Lindpere appear to be the new backbone of New York's central midfield, and the two will need to mesh well in order to take the club anywhere.

A host of rookies will join New York in 2010, and after inking each of their draft picks to contracts, Red Bulls are keeping one eye on the future. One player who may start from day one, however, is centerback Tim Ream. The rookie out of St. Louis has enjoyed a solid preseason capped with his performance against Santos. If he can duplicate Omar Gonzalez's 2009, it'll be a great steal for New York.

Outside backs Roy Miller -- newly arrived Costa Rican international -- and Jeremy Hall, in his second year out of Maryland will add an extra element to the New York attack, if they can get up the pitch with pace and skill they both possess.

Big Question

Can Backe cut it in MLS?

Foreign coaches are always derided for their inability to succeed in MLS -- in fact, few have really proven their coaching chops in the bizarre rule constraints of MLS. Given that, Backe could buck that trend off the back of the momentum generated by the new stadium, as well as the help of Assistant Coach Richie Williams.

2010 Outlook

Last year was a train wreck for New York, and it's going to be very important to avoid that to keep buts in seats. The immaculate structure in Harrison will certainly drive excitement, and the vibe in New York is positive after a solid preseason.

That aside, there are a lot of new players who will need to adjust to life in MLS. Along with Miller and Lindpere, the rookies will have to come up big to give Red Bulls the depth they need to be back in the playoff hunt this year.

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MLS 2010 Preview: New York Red Bulls

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