The Red Bulls somehow won a game where FC Dallas had the run of play, the advantage in shots and double the number of shots on goal. Saturday night’s 2-1 win would have seen New York happy to escape with one point, let alone three. A look at the player ratings:
GK – Bouna Coundoul – Coming off an uneasy performance last week against Chivas USA, a game where he was credited with an own goal for the first score, Coundoul responded very well. He wasn’t at fault on the lone FC Dallas goal in the ninth minute and head coach Hans Backe praised his second half performance as “top-class.” Coundoul stopped what should have been three second-half goals by the visitors. Rating: 9
D – Jeremy Hall – The second year right back seemed to struggle with the pace and creativity coming down the left side of the FC Dallas attack, particularly against Atiba Harris and David Ferreira when they ventured forward. He moved well into the attack, but was rarely rewarded for his overlapping runs. Rating: 5.5
D- Mike Petke – It was a long night for Petke, who had to deal with one foray after another from the visitors as the Red Bulls’ midfield broke down time after time. Seemed a step slow all night long. Rating: 5
D- Tim Ream – Encouraging to see that with each game the rookie Ream continues to improve his already solid play. Had several nice balls out of the back and held possession very well. Another good game by Ream. Rating: 7
D- Roy Miller – As part of the beleaguered backline, it was difficult at times to judge Miller, who seemed to constantly be scrambling. He was rarely burned though and played well enough. Would still like to see him push forward a bit more. Rating: 6
M- Mac Kandji – It is clear from Saturday night that Kandji is a striker and not a left midfielder but head coach Hans Backe’s desire to get his most creative player on the field forced Kandji to the wing. An uneasy performance by Kandji, who drew a second half penalty but was quiet for much of the night. Rating: 5.5
M- Seth Stammler – A difficult night for Stammler who always seemed a step behind Dallas’ central players Ferreira and Dax McCarty. Hard to remember a moment when he was a positive in the attack. Rating: 5
M - Joel Lindpere – An underappreciated effort by Lindpere, who spent much of the night tracking back defensively to cover the FC Dallas attack. He rarely looked dangerous in the attack but was pushed so far back defensively that it was tough for him to be creative. Rating: 6
M – Dane Richards – A second straight disappointing match for Richards. He failed to use his speed well, sent in few quality crosses from the wing, repeatedly missed overlaps from Hall on the right side and didn’t man mark well as FC Dallas forced much of their attack down their left flank. Rating: 4
F- Juan Pablo Ángel – Really tough to rate Ángel. His 56th-minute goal was solid but he rarely looked dangerous and missed the night’s first penalty kick. He did, however, convert the second one before the match ended and gave New York the win. Rating: 6
F- Salou Ibrahim – Backe’s new signing made his home debut and looked slow, lethargic and completely out of sync. Rarely dangerous, Red Bulls fans have to hope that he acclimates better than this. Rating: 3
Substitutes
M- Carl Robinson – The defensive midfielder returned from a knee injury and helped calm down the game a bit for New York, though FC Dallas continued to look dangerous as the match wore on. His vision centrally was a welcome addition to the game for New York. Rating: 5.5
M- Danleigh Borman – Some good defensive work down the left flank helped New York neutralize FC Dallas’ attack. He won’t get a lot of points for style, but Borman’s inclusion in the game settled the midfield for New York. Rating: 6
M- Sinisa Ubiparipovic – He played just nine minutes but he set up Angel’s second penalty attempt of the night for the game’s winning goal. Some nice work by Ubiparipovic who played well going up and down the right flank. Rating: 6.5
