Red Bulls Make Playoff Push
Acquisitions Aid New York Club in Final Stretch
Sep 26, 2008 Christopher O'Donnell
The question now is how the recent addition of beanpole striker Macoumba Kandji will mesh with Juan Pablo Angel and if his success with the USL 's Atlanta Silverbacks will continue in MLS. His eleven goals in one of the country's lower divisions shows he has the potential to contribute, but the transition to a new league can sometimes hamper a player.
South Americans Bolster Osorio
Back in July, fans were beginning to lose faith in head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who failed to secure any foreign additions in the preseason. The players Osorio did have were able keep the team treading above water, albeit barely, and now the likes of Jorge Rojas, Juan Pietravallo and Gabriel Cichero have instilled some much-needed stability and grit, especially to the spine of the starting eleven.
Even in the blowout loss to European power Barcelona in an exhibition match, the ability of the Venezuelan Rojas to create chances, get forward and make quality passes was evident. It's no coincidence that the inclusion of Rojas has greatly benfitted Angel, who has shaken off nagging injuries in the early going to score six goals since August.
Magee Steps Up in August
Wins over D.C. United, Toronto and Houston also saw the emergence of Mike Magee, whose indifferent play earlier in the season led to inclinations by some in the media that the 24-year old may be shown the door. Instead, Magee scored in all three of those victories and his ability to hold the ball and wait for teammates to come forward has been duly noted.
A Brighter Future for Red Bulls?
This sudden surge into the playoff picture has evoked a more positive outlook on a club that seemed to be lacking support from its ownership group--the energy drink maker Red Bull. Now with rumors of a world class player coming in 2009 and a stadium currently being built in Harrison, New Jersey, grumblings about the state of the club have subsided for now.
Rojas & Cichero Called in for Venezuela
The one downside is Osorio will be losing Rojas and Cichero for an October 9th matchup with Real Salt Lake due to national team commitments. Venezuela has home matches with Ecuador and Brazil around the same time and will need to get results in order stay in the race for the 2010 World Cup.
New York has five games left, including home affairs with Colorado and Toronto, while the aforementioned tilt at Real Salt Lake will open up its new stadium just outside the capital.
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