MLS's New York Clubs Aren't Performing Like a Major Market
Jan 13, 2015
The New York Red Bulls, just six weeks removed from their appearance in the Eastern Conference final, have contributed to the recent drama in the Empire State. Their latest transactions, coupled with the Frank Lampard confusion—which is now resolved, per ESPN FC—are the reasons the city still isn't a top market in MLS.
League commissioner Don Garber has aspirations of New York being one of the major markets in MLS, as suggested byBrian Sciarettaof American Soccer Now. However, their inconsistency has left Garber’s wish unfulfilled.
The Red Bulls'sackingof head coach Mike Petke was an odd decision. Petke guided New York to the 2013 Supporters' Shield, which is their only trophy under the new ownership.
Sporting director Ali Curtis, who washired just before the holidays, took full responsibility for the move, perMLSSoccer.com. When Curtis unveiled Jesse Marsch as Petke's replacement, the ex-forward claimed that he has "a vision" for the Red Bulls.
The problem is that New York haven't had a lot of continuity, and that starts with the coach. Marsch is the 15th hire in team history and the eighth since Red Bull became the owners in 2006.
Team
Number of Head Coaches
New York Red Bulls/MetroStars
15
LA Galaxy
8
Colorado Rapids
8
San Jose Earthquakes
8
FC Dallas
7
D.C. United
7
Columbus Crew
7
Sporting Kansas City
6
New England Revolution
6
It's ludicrous for New York to have nearly twice as many head coaches as the other original franchises. Squad chemistry is tough to achieve when the players hear a new voice almost every year on average.
Chopping and changing the team and coach rarely lead to success on the pitch, and the Red Bulls haven't done themselves any favors in that regard.
The Los Angeles Galaxy went through a tumultuous spell up until 2008, when Bruce Arena was hired. The Galaxy have since won three MLS Cups in the last four years.
It helps that L.A. brought in a proven coach who had success in D.C. and U.S. men's national team experience. However, there are a few young, talented tacticians in the league, such as Oscar Pareja and Jason Kreis.
New York City FC haven't been a stand-up organization when it comes to the Frank Lampard situation.
This past summer, Lampard wasunveiled as a designated playerby the club. However, it turned out that the ex-Chelsea midfielder had a "commitment" to signing with NYCFC, asThe Guardian's Jamie Jacksonpointed out. The 36-year-old was really under contract with City Football Group, which own the team along with Manchester City.
Lampard is coming to New York in July as expected, but the damage has been done.
NYCFC are a new team and are competing for exposure in the largest city in America. Signing a player of Lampard's caliber is going to attract some interest, but deceiving the public is going to lead to an emptier Yankee Stadium.
The club's signing of Mix Diskerud, per the team's official website, is a positive PR move. Diskerud is a midfielder who can drive forward and help the attack, much like Lampard. However, it's not enough to counter what's transpired with the ex-England international.
New York's counterparts in Seattle, Portland, Kansas City and L.A. are all bigger soccer markets at this point, especially Seattle and Portland.
Portland announced their 68th consecutive sellout in their final regular-season game against Real Salt Lake on Oct. 17, which is an exceptional streak. It's also home to one of the best and loudest atmospheres in MLS.
Tonight’s attendance: 20,814. It is the 68th consecutive @MLS sell out at Providence Park. Thank you fans! #RCTID
The Timbers haven't won as many trophies as the Red Bulls, but they are in good hands with owner Merritt Paulson and head coach Caleb Porter. They should improve this season after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2014.
A few hours north of the Rose City, the Sounders continue todominate the league in attendance. They have also won four U.S. Open Cups and a Supporters' Shield.
Sporting Kansas City's resurgence over the last few years has been extraordinary as well. The club announced their50th straight sellout last season, which is a far cry to their daysat Arrowhead Stadium, and that has led to success on the pitch. SKC won a U.S. Open Cup and an MLS Cup within a year of each other.
The Galaxy have the aforementioned three MLS Cups in four years and five overall.
These four teams are exceeding expectations. On the other hand, New York have done everything in their power to prevent themselves from achieving major-market status, which they should have done by now.
If both clubs don't change their tactics soon, the only thing "major" about New York will be the population.
Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter,@pgalindo16.
New York Red Bulls Fire Head Coach Mike Petke
Jan 7, 2015
Oct 11, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke looks on against the Toronto FC during the second half at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls defeated Toronto 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Assistant Robin Fraser has also been removed from the technical staff page of the club's site.
Dave Martinez of Empire of Soccer claims that the Red Bulls are lining up Jesse Marsch as the new coach. Marsch's last job was with the Montreal Impact in the club's first season in MLS.
The always reliable Taylor Twellman has since confirmed Martinez's report:
Rumors started MLS Cup weekend and obviously they never ceased. Confirming that Jesse Marsch will replace Mike Petke as Head Coach. #RBNY
According to Dyer, sporting director Ali Curtis sacked Petke after a meeting at Red Bull Arena. Goal.com's Ives Galarcep believes that the club's reasoning was due to a disagreement between management and the coach:
Source says new #RBNY coach may be someone who's worked in the league office.
Regardless, the move still comes as a surprise. Petke claimed the Supporters' Shield in 2013, which is the only trophy the club has won since the rebrand.
He also helped guide the Red Bulls to the Eastern Conference finals this year. They lost to the New England Revolution 4-3 on aggregate.
There's also a rumor involving one of Petke's assistants, Robin Fraser, departing New York for Toronto FC, which was also reported by Dyer on Big Apple Soccer.
French legend Thierry Henry retired in December, so the Red Bulls were set to undergo a few changes in the offseason. It appears as if finding a new coach is now at the top of the agenda.
Had heard Petke might be on thin ice due to conflicts with RBNY upper management, but seeing him go is still a shocker if it’s true.
As Sirius XM's Nicolino DiBenedetto points out, it's safe to assume that commissioner Don Garber didn't picture this debacle when he approved the formation of another New York club.
It will be hard to replace a man of Petke's qualities. He was clearly beloved by the supporters, especially after the success he's had as both a player and coach.
New York Red Bulls Face Questions After Thierry Henry Departure, Playoff Exit
Dec 2, 2014
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry gestures during the second half of the second soccer game of the MLS Eastern Conference final in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. The match ended 2-2 and New England advanced with a two-game aggregate 4-3. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
It came as no surprise when it was announced that Thierry Henry would not return to the New York Red Bulls on Monday. The Frenchman will leave as a club legend, even after the team failed to lift the MLS Cup for the 19th consecutive year.
With Henry's inevitable parting with the club now official, the questions that New York faces this offseason have become clearer. The answers to those questions, on the other hand, remain as unclear as ever.
With New York City FC joining Major League Soccer next season, there is significant pressure on the Red Bulls to remain relevant.
The answers to these five questions will shape the future of the Red Bulls and determine how the quest for continued relevance fares.
Who will the Red Bulls protect in the expansion draft?
On December 10, NYCFC and Orlando City SC will take part in a 10-round expansion draft to help fill out the rosters of the newly minted MLS clubs. In short, the Red Bulls can protect 11 players from being taken by either expansion club, with Connor Lade, Matt Miazga, and Santiago Castano automatically protected due to their homegrown status.
Surely, six of the 11 spots will be taken by Luis Robles, Dax McCarty, Lloyd Sam, Jamison Olave, Eric Alexander and Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips.
That leaves five spots for Tim Cahill, Peguy Luyindula, Chris Duvall, Ambroise Oyongo, Richard Eckersley, Roy Miller, Ruben Bover and Ibrahim Sekagya.
Which of those five will New York secure? Cahill has undeniable talent but would likely prefer to play striker, which poses obvious problems (more on this later). Luyindula was spectacular during the playoffs but turns 36 in May.
Duvall and Oyongo both have great potential but struggled defensively late in the season. Eckersley got off to a putrid start to the season but redeemed himself with an impressive final two months of the season.
Miller and Sekagya have both spent the last two seasons alternating between being unequivocal first-team players and unreliable accidents waiting to happen. Bover has yet to find regular first-team minutes but has undeniable talent and is only 22 years old.
Of course, the Red Bulls will not lose every player they do not protect. Seventeen other clubs will be putting players up for grabs too, so any club losing more than two or three players would be a surprise.
After finally finding a group with obvious chemistry, though, losing just one wrong player could be costly.
Where will the club find a new playmaker(s)?
Thierry Henry is irreplaceable. There is no doubt about that.
His 51 regular-season goals are second only to Juan Pablo Angel's 68 in Red Bulls/Metrostars history. His 42 assists are a club record.
Henry is gone now, though, and New York will have to find a way to move forward.
This is not to say Henry is the club's only playmaker, nor that he single-handedly carried the team this year. Luyindula's late-season form was promising. Oyongo showed promise as a left-winger. Wright-Phillips tied the league's single-season scoring record. Sam's lightning pace created chances down the right wing.
That being said, Henry tied the club's single-season assists record with 14 this year. The club will need a new player, or players, to help make up for some of that lost production next season.
Could that come in the form of a high-priced and high-profile Designated Player? Fans will hope so, but the club's uncertain ownership status (more on this below) may put the Red Bulls in a position where such a signing isn't feasible.
What should New York do about Tim Cahill?
The Australian proved his worth as a striker in the second leg against New England with a goal and a steady work rate, just as he has for the Australian national team for years.
The problem, of course, is that he probably is not the best striker at his own club at this point. Bradley Wright-Phillips obviously is New York's first-choice forward after a historic season. So where does that leave Cahill?
He could play in a No. 10 role just behind the striker, as he did against Sporting Kansas City on the last day of the regular season with decent success.
There are two issues with this though. First, it would mean removing Luyindula from the starting XI. With Henry gone, Luyindula appears to be the best passing playmaker in the squad. He cannot lose his spot.
That aside, though Cahill played behind the striker many times for Everton, he plays the role in an entirely different way from Luyindula. Cahill is not a great passer of the ball but makes good late runs, draws defenders to him and wins tons of balls in the air.
But with Henry gone, the Red Bulls will need a pure playmaker playing behind the striker. Cahill does not fit that bill.
Manager Mike Petke has tried inserting Cahill in a deeper role in the midfield, but it just is not a smart move for player or club. The soon-to-be 36-year-old Australian is nowhere near his best at that position (see the 4-0 loss at LA Galaxy for proof), and the midfield pairing of Alexander and McCarty has clearly proved to be the best option in the midfield.
Could Cahill be destined for a continued role on the bench? That seems unlikely as well.
Cahill clearly still has a role to play for the Australian national team, and playing 20 minutes a match in the United States will not help him stay sharp for international competition.
It would not make much sense for the Red Bulls to keep him there, either. Cahill made $3.5 million last season, according to the MLS Player's Union, and will be the team's highest-paid player with Henry gone.
Leaving Cahill unprotected in the expansion draft and seeking a transfer for the experienced Australian could also be possibilities.
How much of the current team will be kept intact?
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about the Red Bulls has been the club's penchant for ridding itself of half its players from season to season.
New York finally kept together the core of its team for a season after last year's Supporters Shield victory, which ultimately led the team to its first trip to the MLS Conference Finals since 2009.
But with sporting director Andy Roxburgh reportedly leaving the club, as reported by Franco Panizo at SBISoccer.com, how management handles roster decisions this offseason is somewhat up in the air.
How will the ownership situation affect the club?
This is the elephant in the room.
Grant Wahl at Sports Illustratedreported in October that Red Bull (the company, that is), "has dramatically reduced its investment in New York as Red Bull’s global profits have declined, and its soccer interest has shifted toward its teams in Europe." Wahl continued:
While Marc de Grandpre, the club’s head of commercial operations, says the team is not for sale, one source says that if a buyer approached Red Bull and offered $300 million for the Red Bulls and their stadium, the deal would get done within 48 hours.
Long story short: Don't look for Red Bull to be involved in MLS in the long-term future.
Wahl's report suggested that reduced investment from ownership was a contributing factor to Henry's departure as well.
What does all of this mean for the club going forward? Let us speculate.
First and foremost, it may mean that supporters should not hold their breaths for a Designated Player signing to replace Henry. If Red Bull was not willing to pay Henry, chances are the same will go for other big-name players.
Second, it raises questions about the departure of Roxburgh. Was he fired, or did he choose to leave the club? One could speculate, given that the news of his departure came in October, when the Red Bulls were playing some of their best regular-season soccer, that it would not make sense to fire him.
Why would he want to leave the club? It is hard to say.
Third, with NYCFC entering MLS next season, now more than ever the Red Bulls need a cohesive plan to stay competitive both on and off the pitch. If Red Bull really has lost interest in the club, there is a real possibility that NYCFC will blow the Red Bulls out of the water in terms of interest in the New York/New Jersey area.
Of course, this is all speculation.
Additionally, MLS commissioner Don Garber refuted Wahl's assertions, as reported by Stefan Bondy at the New York Daily News: "Both the owner and management team in Austria and New York are as committed as ever to Major League Soccer, the club and their fans."
Ownership issues aside, the Red Bulls are still left with questions to answer following an exciting but fruitless playoff run and the departure of an absolute legend.
The club has had a tremendous amount of success over the last two years but is at a crossroads entering this offseason. Can the Red Bulls build on this success, or will decisions made this offseason crush the blossoming hope the club has found?
On Monday Thierry Henry announced he would be leaving the New York Red Bulls after four-and-a-half years, per the Independent ...
What's Next for Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls?
Dec 1, 2014
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry gestures during the second half of the second soccer game of the MLS Eastern Conference final in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. The match ended 2-2 and New England advanced with a two-game aggregate 4-3. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Thierry Henry has announced that he's leaving the New York Red Bulls, per the team's official website. This news comes just days after he was eliminated from the MLS playoffs by the New England Revolution and brings up questions about the Frenchman's next endeavor and the club's future.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently stated that he'd like to bring back Henry as a coach, via ESPN FC. The 37-year-old forward has also stated that he'd like to see the Gunners win the Champions League as a member of Wenger's staff, per Chris Waugh of the Daily Mail.
However, there have also been rumblings of Henry playing in France. Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol said he'd love to sign his former France teammate (h/t Robin Bairner of Goal.com).
Bordeaux coach Willy #Sagnol admits he would like Thierry #Henry to join his team: "He is of the same level as Fontaine, Platini & #Zidane."
There's also the possibility of Henry going back to Monaco, the club where he began his professional career. Even PSG was linked with the ex-Arsenal man along with the team from the principality, per Jack De Menezes of The Independent.
What's certain is that Henry will make a decision fairly soon. He posted a statement on his Facebook page shortly after it was announced that the French legend was leaving the Red Bulls. He claimed that he will "take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of [his] career."
This opens the possibility of Henry joining a new team during the January transfer window as a player or a coach.
What lies ahead for the Red Bulls without Henry?
Henry is clearly the main focus of this story, which is fair, but this leaves the Red Bulls in a fairly peculiar situation.
New York still has MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips, who scored 27 goals this year (tying Roy Lassiter and Chris Wondolowski for the most in a single season).
Henry assisted 10 of Wright-Phillips' 27 regular-season goals, but by that logic, the Englishman's finishing ability could have boosted the Frenchman's numbers. On the other hand, it is Thierry Henry feeding him the ball.
Tim Cahill is the other Red Bulls designated player, but he was average in 2014. Even the Australian doesn't know what lies ahead for him, per Empire of Soccer.
New York will have at least one designated player spot. It should be used on an attacking midfielder who can supply some assists for Wright-Phillips. A creative No. 10 similar to Diego Valeri or Pedro Morales could also help out head coach Mike Petke. However, Peguy Luyindula has earned a starting spot with his performances in the playoffs.
Did the Red Bulls meet expectations with Henry?
When New York signed Henry in 2010, there was a clear plan to succeed. General manager Erik Soler said as much during the forward's introductory press conference, via The Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports).
"Thierry is not only a world class player who will undoubtedly improve our squad, but he has shown most importantly throughout his career that he is a winner," said Soler. "He has made it clear to us that he is committed in the short and long term to help in our vision of making our organization the premium franchise in Major League Soccer."
HARRISON, NJ - JULY 15: (L-R) MLS Commisioner Don Garber, Head of Red Bull Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Thierry Henry, Managing Director Erik Soler and Head Coach Hans Backe pose for a photo on July 15, 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jers
Former midfielder Seth Stammler was pretty optimistic as well.
"[Henry has] won championships at all levels. To come over here and not prove himself to the world in soccer, but take our team to the next level and hopefully get a championship here will be a good step for him and obviously great for the organization."
The Red Bulls were just eliminated from the Eastern Conference championship, which was the deepest they've ever been in the playoffs. Henry was with New York for the past four and a half years, and it's never even appeared in an MLS Cup final, let alone winning the title in that time.
New York won the Supporters' Shield in 2013, which is a massive accomplishment, but it means little in the MLS landscape because of the playoff format.
52/49 - @ThierryHenry finishes his time with @NewYorkRedBulls with 52 goals and 49 assists in 135 @MLS games (inc playoffs). Thanks.
Henry was usually less effective in the postseason. The 37-year-old had just one goal and two helpers in the previous four campaigns combined. He was much better in 2014, recording five assists. Chronic defensive issues and the attack going dry take more of the blame than the captain, though.
New York has been a playoff team with Henry. There's no shame in that, but if winning championships and becoming the marquee side in MLS were the ultimate goals, then the Red Bulls failed to meet expectations.
Thierry Henry Leaves New York Red Bulls: Latest News on Iconic Striker's Future
Dec 1, 2014
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry gestures during the second half of the second soccer game of the MLS Eastern Conference final in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. The match ended 2-2 and New England advanced with a two-game aggregate 4-3. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Thierry Henry has played his last game for New York Red Bulls after it was announced the French striker won't be heading back to the MLS franchise in 2015. The football world awaits his next move.
Continue for updates.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Parlour Predicts Henry Reunion
Former team-mate Ray Parlour has predicted Henry will link back up with Arsenal now that his time is done with the New York Red Bulls. TalkSPORT's Alex Varney quotes Parlour saying:
I think he will definitely get involved with Arsenal. I certainly believe, one day, if he really wants to be a manager, he will be manager of Arsenal.
He was such an intelligent player. Arsene Wenger used to have a meeting on a Monday with the players after a game and Thierry would always have his say. He would make some great points, not just about forwards, but about defending and how we defend as a team.
He always had that charisma to be a manager. And look at his name around the world. People would want to play for him and he would attract big players.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Henry Targets Arsenal Role, PSG Play Down Interest
Henry has confessed it would be a Christmas gift should Arsenal come calling for his services. Quoted by Steve Brenner of the Daily Mail, Henry said:
Going back to Arsenal? That is the wish. They say Christmas is coming soon, it is a wish but it is not something which will happen straight away.
Everyone knows how much I love the club, my feelings about them. It is a wish right now, I only announced I was leaving New York on Monday so I am not trying to get out of it but it has only been a day.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has shown his ongoing love for Henry, insisting the striker should be given one more game by France:
PSG have been touted as another option for the legendary striker, but boss Laurent Blanc was cool on the topic according to the London Evening Standard:
Could he play six months at PSG like [David] Beckham? I’ve not thought about that.
He could still play, he loves the game so much. I don’t know if he will retire or not. It wouldn’t surprise me if he continued to play. He’s had a great career and is a great player.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Wenger Guarantees Henry Arsenal Return
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he is not yet sure what Henry is planning following his Red Bulls departure, but he did promise Gunners fans that the legendary forward will return to the club in the future:
Wenger on @ThierryHenry: "I understand that he wants to reflect for a while on what he wants to do [next]" #AFCvSFC
The likeable player was recently unable to guide the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup Final and bowed out suffering a 4-3 aggregate loss to New England.
Interestingly, this announcement comes shortly after Henry vowed to win the Champions League with former club Arsenal.
HARRISON, NJ - NOVEMBER 23: Thierry Henry #14 of New York Red Bulls reacts during the game against the New England Revolution during the Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1 at Red Bull Arena on November 23, 2014 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stob
"Whether I see that from afar or up close is not up to me, but it's sure that I would like to help, because it's my club and as a player I wasn't able to bring them the Champions League," said the Gunners legend, reported by ESPN.
As a minor tidbit, he changed his Facebook header image to a photo of the Emirates Stadium—where he is immortalised in bronze—shortly after making his announcement.
Although Henry's next move is yet to be revealed, the forward also confirmed he is "certain" he will remain in football, per ESPN's report. The prolific striker is yet to suggest he will hang up his playing boots and could land himself one final contract before calling time on an illustrious career.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Arsenal fans look at a statue of former Arsenal player, Thierry Henry ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 01, 2013 in London, England. (Photo b
Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC wonders whether he will return to where it all started:
Interesting. New York Red Bulls confirm Thierry Henry will not return in 2015, but no confirmation of retirement plans. Ligue 1 swan song?
Henry's career with club and country has been laden with success. He captured the Ligue 1 title with Monaco before landing the World Cup and Euro 2000 with France. His time at Arsenal yielded two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Community Shields, but he was unable to grasp the elusive Champions League trophy.
Until he arrived in Barcelona, at least. Henry added the European title alongside the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup while at the Camp Nou. Domestically, he enjoyed two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 24: Lionel Messi (L), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) and Thierry Henry of Barcelona celebrate after Ibrahimovic scored his team's third goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Xerez CD at Camp Nou stadium on April 24, 2010 in
He became the second high-profile player to the MLS in 2010, following in David Beckham's footsteps. Once settled, he captured a duo of MLS Eastern Conference championships and the 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield.
Henry has played alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira, Xavi, Lionel Messi and many other greats. He remained a significant outlet to success during his last season with Red Bulls, highlighted by ESPN FC:
Thierry Henry's MLS stats for this season: 30 games played for New York Red Bulls, 10 goals, 14 assists.
The veteran striker became a tremendous goalscorer at Arsenal—largely thanks to Arsene Wenger's decision to move him away from the wing—a trait he has carried through the rest of his career.
Gunners supporters will remember the stunning flick and volley against Manchester United, his scintillating run against Tottenham and brilliant goal away at Real Madrid, all of which are among his career highlights to date:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqkykj1tTpE
Plenty of teams are sure to offer Henry a role. Not only is he an era-defining footballer, he is a calm and clear speaker who could be excellent in a coaching role.
Wenger previously called upon his experience with a loan back to Arsenal in 2012, in which he had a morale-boosting impact on the pitch. Perhaps he could do the same on the sidelines.
Charlie Davies Ignites Revolution & Authors Sad End(?) to Thierry Henry's Career
Nov 29, 2014
New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry handles the ball against the New England Revolution during the first half of the second soccer game of the MLS Eastern Conference final in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. The match ended 2-2 and New England advances with a two-game aggregate 4-3. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
In New York, they know all too well that the greatest players do not always get blessed with the greatest endings.
Just recently, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter's career ended in uncharacteristically quiet fashion. Jeter's Yankees, so often a fixture in the Major League Baseball playoffs, did not qualify in his last season. Where superstars are concerned, fans want the ending to The Natural, but more often than not they get the ending to Friday Night Lights.
Charlie Davies' brace powered the New England Revolution into the MLS Cup final. Given the circumstances, Davies' performance in this match and in these playoffs should have been the main story. After scoring only three goals for the Revs in 18 regular-season appearances, Davies has hit for four in the playoffs, including the two goals that put the Revs into the final.
But Davies did not only turn the brightest lights on for New England, who now await an opponent (either the Los Angeles Galaxy or the Seattle Sounders) in the final. Davies may have extinguished one of the brightest lights Major League Soccer has in the process.
So it is to his credit that, serving as the face of the New York Red Bulls these past four-plus seasons, Henry was able to burnish his already ridiculous footballing credentials in a different league on another continent.
"Henry reinvented himself during his time in MLS, becoming more of a playmaker instead of a scorer," wrote Stephen Lee in a blog post for The Wall Street Journal. "He is the all-time team leader in assists."
Lee also noted that the Red Bulls never missed the playoffs with Henry on the roster and that "the Red Bulls won the 2013 Supporters Shield...the only major trophy the team has won in its nearly two-decade existence."
Davies (left) powered the Revolution past the Red Bulls.
Henry tried to help with the script that kept this Red Bulls playoff run going. He assisted on the first goal of the game, a through ball to Tim Cahill that put the Red Bulls up early and helped them reach the point where they could see their way through to the final. With 20 minutes left in regulation, just one more goal would almost certainly have put the Red Bulls through.
The one goal, though, came from Davies and effectively ended the Red Bulls' season.
Henry tried to keep the subject of his probable retirement from overshadowing the Red Bulls' playoff run, but given the enormity of Henry's global profile as compared to that of MLS that was always going to be a losing battle.
"(T)he word is that if the Red Bulls bow out in this semi-final then Henry will also call time on a great career," wrote John Cross for The Mirror in the run-up to what was likely Henry's last match. "Henry insists he has yet to make up his mind, but is tipped to retire and return to England to work for Sky Sports."
Cross could not resist a cheap shot at MLS, noting that Henry's career was set to end "on a plastic pitch in a half-empty stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts." If Henry is in fact finished playing, that is a literally accurate way to describe the end, but it uncharitably leaves out all that Henry achieved in New York.
This is what the media does. Jeter's last game came against the Boston Red Sox, with whom the Yankees have a rivalry you might have heard about once or twice. The Associated Press' Jimmy Golen (via ESPN.com) had this to say about the game: "Jeter's departure gave some import to an otherwise meaningless game between the longtime AL East rivals, who missed the playoffs together for the first time in 20 years."
In that context, Henry's bowing out in the conference finals doesn't seem so sad after all.
Thierry Henry Has to Stay Hot If the New York Red Bulls Want to Advance
Nov 28, 2014
HARRISON, NJ - NOVEMBER 23: Thierry Henry #14 of New York Red Bulls looks on against the New England Revolution during the Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1 at Red Bull Arena on November 23, 2014 in Harrison, New Jersey. Revolution defeated the Red Bulls 2-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Thierry Henry is still making an impact on his club, the New York Red Bulls, at the age of 37. However, the Red Bulls are down 2-1 on aggregate against the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference final. New York will need the ex-France international to continue to excel if they want to finally claim the MLS Cup.
Henry has typically underwhelmed in the playoffs. However, despite not scoring, the Frenchman has recorded four assists, all of them crucial to New York's postseason run.
Henry assisted Bradley Wright-Phillips' first goal against Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference knockout round to tie the match in the 77th minute. The veteran was involved in all three of Wright-Phillips' tallies in the conference semifinals against D.C. United as well.
This past weekend in the first leg versus the Revolution, Henry wasn't as noticeable. Despite that, the Red Bulls are only down 2-1, but New England has two away goals, meaning New York has to rely on their star designated player.
Thierry Henry, left, and Bradley Wright-Phillips, right, have been a lethal tandem for the Red Bulls this season.
Golden Boot winner Wright-Phillips is suspended for the second leg, which puts extra pressure on Henry to deliver the goods. The forward will be playing his first game at Gillette Stadium, which has a turf surface and is something the Red Bulls star hasn't liked in his time in MLS.
Henry has only scored once in the playoffs in his MLS career, per the league's official website. He'll most likely be playing with the red-hot Peguy Luyindula, who has two goals in the postseason so far, and Tim Cahill.
Cahill has been hit-and-miss with the Red Bulls this season because his role is undefined with head coach Mike Petke. It will either be the Australian international or Luyindula starting up front with the other operating as a No. 10. Henry will probably occupy his usual role on the left with freedom to roam, assuming New York lines up the same as the first leg.
Petke hinted that there would be tweaks to both his system and the game plan, per Franco Panizo of the MLS website.
Like I’ve said forever, we are who we are. However, there can be some tweaks made within this system, and there will be some tweaks made. Not a completely separate game plan, not necessarily [that] we’re going to switch to eight forwards and man-mark everybody else in the back. No.
As the game goes on, depending on how it goes, there could be some major changes either way, whether we’re successful and ahead or we’re behind. Aside from one little tweak, the mindset, the game plan, one or two separate things that we’re really going to focus on, it’s business as usual.
Assuming the Red Bulls are eliminated this weekend, the focus of the team will switch to Henry's future. He's either going to leave the Red Bulls after the season, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post, or retire, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, although that's looking less likely to happen, according to the AFP's Tom Williams and Goal.com's Robin Bairner.
Thierry Henry tells L'Equipe he's undecided about retiring. Ambitions are "to stay in football" and "see Arsenal win the Champions League".
The latter would be disappointing, because Henry can still play at a pretty high level at his advanced age. However, if he wants to finish his time in New York with a trophy, he has to be the one to lead the comeback against New England.
Henry hasn't been consistent in the playoffs, which may describe his stint in MLS if the Red Bulls don't progress to the MLS Cup final, but he has the ability to change that reputation in Saturday's game in Foxborough.
Mike Petke at Fault for New York's Disadvantage Heading into Second Leg
Nov 26, 2014
HARRISON, NJ - MARCH 16: Head coach Mike Petke of New York Red Bulls watches from the sidelines against the D.C. United at Red Bull Arena on March 16, 2013 in Harrison, New Jersey. Red Bulls and DC United play to a 0-0 draw. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
In the 2-1 loss at Red Bull Arena, Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips picked up a silly yellow card in the 60th minute for bothering Revolution 'keeper Bobby Shuttleworth before a goal kick.
By picking up a yellow card in the softest way possible during an extremely chippy match, Wright-Phillips earned himself a one-game suspension for yellow-card accumulation.
After the match, Wright-Phillips and his teammates had no idea that a yellow card would earn him a suspension. New York manager Mike Petke failed to tell his players about the rule because he didn't want his team playing scared.
From Petke to each #RBNY player, no one knew BWP would be suspended with a yellow. BWP said he was "angry" over call #MLS
How a manager fails to tell one of his key players something so important before a big match is just baffling. Petke's decision to not speak about the rules could end up costing his side in the second leg at Gillette Stadium Saturday.
The opportunistic Wright-Phillips found the back of the net on 27 occasions in the regular season and four times in the postseason. Although he may not be the most talented player on the pitch for New York, Wright-Phillips is a game-changing forward.
HARRISON, NJ - NOVEMBER 23: Bradley Wright-Phillips #99 of New York Red Bulls and Andrew Farrell #2 of New England Revolution vie for the ball during the Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1 at Red Bull Arena on November 23, 2014 in Harrison, New Jersey. Rev
He has benefited greatly from his connection with Thierry Henry, and he has been in the right place at the right time to clean up plenty of mess inside the box this season. His 27th-minute strike Sunday is a perfect example of how he has been scoring throughout the 2014 campaign.
Now with Wright-Phillips not available for selection, Petke finds himself in a massive jam, as he has to search for someone to score a crucial away goal or two against a dangerous New England team.
The good news for Petke is he can redeem himself by picking a lineup that challenges New England from the opening whistle on the turf at Gillette Stadium.
His selection dilemma starts with where to place Henry, who has lined up on the left side of a 4-2-3-1 over the last two months. The French star has scored on 10 occasions in 2014, but only two of those strikes have come on the road.
Luckily for the Red Bulls, Henry will overcome his vulnerability to turf in the second leg. Henry insisted he will play Saturday, which is a step forward compared to every other trip he has made to New England. The 37-year-old usually sits out matches played on the surface.
HARRISON, NJ - NOVEMBER 23: Thierry Henry #14 of New York Red Bulls looks on against the New England Revolution during the Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1 at Red Bull Arena on November 23, 2014 in Harrison, New Jersey. Revolution defeated the Red Bulls
Petke also has a chance to take advantage of the red-hot Peguy Luyindula in attack, but where he places the Frenchman on the field will be crucial. If he keeps Luyindula in the middle of the attacking trio, he would have to push Eric Alexander out wide and place Tim Cahill in one of the defensive midfield positions.
Since moving to the 4-2-3-1, Petke has utilized Alexander in the defensive midfield next to Dax McCarty. Before he exited the first leg, Alexander neutralized the threat of Most Valuable Player candidate Lee Nguyen. Tweaking that successful midseason adjustment could prove to be a fatal move for Petke and the Red Bulls.
May 24, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke gives instructions against the Portland Timbers at Red Bull Arena. The Timbers defeated the Red Bulls 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Another suspension that limits Petke's lineup changes is the one of Roy Miller, who is ineligible for both legs after a stupid high challenge saw him receive a red card in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal.
If Petke had Miller available for Saturday's match, he could have moved Ambroise Oyongo up to the left wing and placed Henry up top. That would have been the ideal move for Petke, and it still may happen if he feels comfortable putting someone other than Oyongo at left-back.
Ultimately, Petke is at fault for putting his side in this situation, and he will have to pull them out of it to advance to MLS Cup.
The young manager has earned plenty of praise for his tactical moves over the last few months. But if he finds a way to come out of New England with a win Saturday, he will be praised for overcoming his biggest mistake yet.
Nov 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry (left) and defender Roy Miller (7) celebrate after a New York Red Bulls goal against the D.C. United during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Red Bulls have never been able to do it. The MetroStars could not do it either. With a franchise cursed for nearly 20 years, what makes this season different?
With Saturday's 2-1 loss at D.C. United, the Red Bulls advanced to the Conference finals for the first time since 2008. In all likelihood, this sets the Red Bulls up for a showdown with the New England Revolution in the MLS final four.
That means with three positive results, the Red Bulls could take home the MLS title for the first time in the history of the club. Though the franchise's history in the playoffs is less than stellar (to put it kindly), there is a different feel with this group; this year's New York Red Bulls can win the MLS Cup.
Though New York had a rough first half of the season, in the second half of the season and the playoffs, four things have emerged that suggest the Red Bulls can go all the way.
Tactical Change
In New York's first 25 regular season matches, the club only managed three clean sheets. The Red Bulls were not—and are not—a spectacular defensive team. But the team's defensive record up to that point was acceptable.
In the Red Bulls' 26th regular-season match, manager Mike Petke sent his team out in a different formation to the one he had used previously.
Gone was the 4-4-2 that carried the team to the Supporters' Shield in 2013. Rather, against 2013's MLS champions, Sporting KC, Petke's men lined up in a 4-2-3-1.
On September 6, Eric Alexander and Dax McCarty lined up as holding central midfielders behind an attacking-midfield three of Lloyd Sam on the right, Peguy Luyindula in the middle, and Thierry Henry on the left. The Red Bulls won 2-1.
Petke has only altered that central-midfield pairing once since its introduction, which resulted in a 4-0 loss at LA Galaxy.
In the 10 games (including two playoff games) these two guys have played together in central midfield, New York have scored 20 goals and allowed 10.
In the other 26 games this season, they've scored 39 and allowed 40. This team has become significantly more dangerous in attack, but it's in defense where they've made the real difference.
When Eric came in and tactically we said our main job is just to protect the back four and make sure we’re solid defensively, the whole team thrived off of that. The attacking players said now we have a little bit more defensive cover, so we can go and be more dangerous going forward. And the defense said we can take more risks because we have two guys that we know will be in front of us.
This midfield will give the Red Bulls the best chance to succeed against New England, a team that has a terrifying midfield trio of its own: Lee Nguyen, Jermaine Jones, and Scott Caldwell.
The Red Bulls will need McCarty and Alexander to hold their own against these three. New York has superior wingers and a more successful striker than the Revolution, but if Alexander and McCarty cannot keep the team in the match, it will not matter.
Depth
At every position on the pitch, the Red Bulls have the ability to cover for injury or suspension.
Of course, that is not to say that the club has a replacement for Henry or Jamison Olave—arguably the team's two most important players—in terms of ability. But at essentially every other position, the Red Bulls have the necessary cover. Even the loss of Henry or Olave would not be absolutely devastating.
Take the case of Roy Miller, who will have to sit out the first leg of the Conference finals. Ambroise Oyongo, who started 11 matches for New York in the regular season, figures to fill in for the Costa Rican, without setting the team back.
Across the pitch, this is the case. Saturday's bench, consisting of Ryan Meara, Armando, Connor Lade, Chris Duvall, Oyongo, Tim Cahill, and Ruben Bover, is filled with players who have proven themselves to be useful contributors at the MLS level.
Meara and Lade have been out of the picture often this season, but both had tremendous rookie seasons, and Lade has recently worked himself back into Petke's good graces.
Armando and Duvall have both been starters at times this season, and though they have since been replaced, they are still both respectable backups.
Tim Cahill, last season's club MVP, has had a down year but still represents a threat in the air offensively and is a hard worker defensively.
Nov 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Peguy Luyindula (8) reacts after scoring a goal against the D.C. United during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Peguy Luyindula
The 35-year-old Frenchman has been a frustrating player at times during his two-year tenure with the Red Bulls. Luyindula is New York's best playmaker, excepting Henry, and he picked up seven assists in 863 minutes of action in the 2013 season.
But when the team played in the 4-4-2, Petke faced one of two issues when using Luyindula. If deployed as a striker, his woeful finishing ability quickly became apparent—Luyindula scored only one goal last season, which came from a penalty given to him by Henry at the end of a blowout victory.
Henry and the Red Bulls hoped that goal would give the misfiring Frenchman some confidence. He did not score again during the regular season or playoffs.
Because of Luyindula's scoring troubles, and in an attempt to get the most out of him as a playmaker, Petke sometimes shifted him to a role in the center of midfield. While his role as a deep-lying midfielder suited his playmaking abilities, the role asked too much of Luyindula defensively.
With the shift to the 4-2-3-1, though, Luyindula has found a perfect home, playing in the center of the three-man attacking midfield.
The former PSG player did well in that role during the regular season, but he has launched to new heights in the postseason.
The Red Bulls have scored five goals during the playoffs, and Luyindula has factored in all of them. Against Sporting KC, he came off the bench and provided the secondary assist for both the equalizer and match-winning goal.
Petke rewarded that performance by handing Luyindula a start against D.C. In the first half, Luyindula shielded a defender from a pass on its way to Bradley Wright-Phillips, leading to New York's first goal. In the second half, Luyindula slotted home a crucial second goal after finding himself one on one with the 'keeper.
In the second leg against DC, Luyindula scored the crucial away goal, directing home a cross from Henry.
He’s not doing anything different than he’s done throughout the two years here. ... He wasn’t always a starter and he wasn’t happy about that, which he shouldn’t [be], but now we’re all, including him, getting the rewards of what he’s doing.
One can appreciate Petke's sentiment, but the fact of the matter is that Luyindula would not have scored either of the goals he has notched this postseason last season. Without those goals, the Red Bulls' season would be over.
But Luyindula did score, and he is playing with more confidence than ever.
Attitude
Historically, the Red Bulls have folded in the playoffs. Last season, it was an Olave red card and a foolish giveaway by Ibrahim Sekagya that doomed the club against San Jose.
Two years ago, it was encroachment on a Kenny Cooper penalty kick and a Rafa Marquez red card.
In 2010, it was a complete breakdown against San Jose Earthquakes in front of the home crowd after a tremendous performance in San Jose.
This year, it could so easily have happened again. But it did not.
In the play-in match against Sporting KC, former iterations of New York Red Bulls would have folded when Dom Dwyer put KC in front despite New York being the better team through the first 50 minutes. Instead, Petke made some crucial substitutions and the Red Bulls kept their heads up.
When Wright-Phillips equalized in the 77th minute, it was no less than New York deserved. When he struck again in the 90th minute, the comeback was complete.
Similarly, the Red Bulls could have folded after D.C.—the better team in the first half of the second leg—closed the deficit to one.
Instead, New York stuck to their game plan: do not sit too deep, play defense first and convert when the chances come on the counter.
It worked to perfection.
The Red Bulls will now feel that they've proven to the league and to themselves that they can deal with adversity.
Others
There are a few other, notable reasons for the Red Bulls to feel like they can go all the way this year:
They've beaten the Revolution twice this year, including in New England.
The Red Bulls beat Seattle this season and drew at Real Salt Lake. Both teams are potential finals opponents.
Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave will almost certainly play during the postseason, a change from the regular season.
New York has league-leading goalscorer Wright-Phillips.
The Red Bulls/Metrostars franchise and its fans have spent nearly 20 years waiting for a team that could bring a title home. This year's team, though not perfect, is clicking tactically, has depth, has Peguy Luyindula on fire and perhaps for the first time ever has the right attitude in the postseason.
The Red Bulls can do it. They can win the MLS Cup.
