New York Red Bulls interim head coach Richie Williams readily admitted that the team's first 20 minutes against the New England Revolution on Saturday night was less to be desired.
However, a fabulous effort by Edson Buddle to tie the game set the tone for better play on the Red Bulls' side.
Playing without Youri Djorkaeff, leading-scorer Jean-Philippe Peguero or assist-leader Mark Lisi during New York's 3-2 loss to New England, the team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation - uncharacteristic since the Red Bulls usually utilize a 3-5-2.
Buddle, who has been hampered by nagging injuries, got the ball rolling for New York in the 24th minute.
After receiving a pass, Buddle started out on the left wing and took on New England defender Andy Dorman. Using a nifty move, Buddle deked his way past Dorman and into the penalty box before maneuvering past Michael Parkhurst. By then, Buddle was a step from the touchline, a few yards from the left post, but didn't hesitate to shoot it into the upper 90, over Matt Reis' head to tie the game.
"I think from that angle, he thought I was going to cross it. I just took my chances and this time, the odds were in my favor," said Buddle, who now has three goals this season.
"After Edson had a great goal, I thought we started doing OK. It wasn't great, it wasn't perfect but it was much better," Williams said.
Wynne, Magee, Cila fill void
Several players had the chance to prove themselves because of the regulars' absence including Marvell Wynne, Mike Magee and Jordan Cila, who came on as a substitute in the second half. Despite the fact that he was disappointed with each of his players in the opening 20 minutes, Williams said he was pleased with the trio, especially after halftime.
"I thought after we settled down in the second half, Mags (Magee) played better, Marvell did, Jordan, I thought came in and did well and hustled. That was a plus," Williams said.
Magee said that at halftime, Williams and the team were able to vent their opinions, frustrations and concerns and this helped the team fight back in the second half after Taylor Twellman put the Revolution up, 2-1, in first half stoppage time.
"I thought they played better in the second half and that's the way it needs to be the whole game. I told them if we play like we did in the second half and we're losing games, so be it," Williams said.
Boosted by goaltender Tony Meola, who made eight saves, off a solid build-up from the midfield, Magee received a pass from Seth Stammler and knocked in his first goal of the season in the 66th minute.
"Seth made it look like he was going to shoot, he drew a defender and gave me a lay-up and I put it away," Magee said.
Similar to Buddle, Magee has faced a number of injuries so far this season and it is the first time since April 22 that he had played the full 90 minutes.
"It felt pretty good. My fitness was a little bit better than I thought but obviously, it's no where near where it should be," Magee said.
It was also the first time that Buddle and Magee have played up top with each other so far this season.
"I had a good time playing up top with him. We had a goal each and with all of the players missing, I think we're fortunate to get a little bit of offense going today," Buddle said.
Despite Clint Dempsey's second goal of the night in the 72nd minute - the eventual game-winner - there were some positives for the team to take going into their next match against Los Angeles on Tuesday at the Home Depot Center.
"The whole game, I thought we could have definitely gotten an equalizer and [scored] a go-ahead goal. But, time was a little bit short against us," Buddle said.
Cila features in first game
Red Bulls midfielder/forward Jordan Cila made his first appearance in a New York uniform, coming on in the 77th minute for Chris Henderson.
In his third year in MLS, the 24-year-old from Jericho, NY has played in 34 games, recording seven goals and three assists.
