New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls put in a gutsy performance in earning a 1-0 victory in Los Angeles. Considering the Red Bulls were playing three emergency players on their back line, an inexperience keeper and were missing their two designated players (Henry, injury; Marquez, suspension), the win was a surprise.

Yet they defended well and took advantage when their chance fell to them. But to be honest, there weren't a lot of chances in this game.

The Galaxy look like a shadow of the 2011 MLS Cup championship team. Part of that can be blamed on the absence of Omar Gonzalez, who is out with a knee injury. But that doesn't explain the lack of flair going forward.

Still, the Red Bulls' Chad Barrett will be kicking himself for missing a few good chances. And without the steadiness of teammate Ryan Meara, the game could have been very different.

Player Ratings (on a 10-point scale)

GK Ryan Meara

A spectacular performance from the Red Bulls keeper as he seemed to claim all crosses into his box. His performance took the pressure off his back line, allowing them to exceed expectations. He had a few key saves late in the game, but his 82nd-minute save on a long range shot by Juninho was nothing short of spectacular.

Player Rating: 8

RB Brandon Barklage

Solid performance from the former DC United player, despite some difficulties dealing with a few overlapping runs from Mike Magee and Todd Dunivant. Was often the last man on the back post on David Beckham and Landon Donovan crosses, which he defended brilliantly a few times to clear the danger.

Player Rating: 7

CB Markus Holgersson

Wasn't spectacular, but did his job well. Managed to clear a Robbie Kean chip off the back line early in the first half to keep the game tied early on.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Tyler Ruthven

Put in a solid performance, as he was consistently targeted by Galaxy long balls and crosses. Dealt with everything calmly and professionally. He was impressive throughout. 

Player Rating: 7

LB Connor Lade

Struggled to deal with Donovan and Sean Franklin down the right at times, but all in all did a good job. Looked stronger on the ball than the last few matches and even got forward to set help set up Joel Lindpierre's 19th-minute goal.

Player Rating: 7

DM Dax McCarty

Did his job brilliantly as he consistently won the ball in front of the two center backs, forcing the Galaxy into wide positions instead of attacking through the center. 

Player Rating: 7

RM Dane Richards

Broke a few times on the counter attack, but found very little support. Helped defensively, but nothing spectacular. Earned a soft yellow card in the 31st minute.

Player Rating: 6

CM Medhi Ballouchi (off 77')

Helped move the ball in the middle of the field and did his job defensively.

Player Rating: 6

CM Joel Lindpierre

Scored the Red Bulls's 19th-minute goal off a surging run out of the midfield. Controlled Jan Gunnar Solli's pass brilliantly and did very well to score on a tight angle. Worked hard throughout the game and looked impressive in the middle of the field.

Player Rating: 7

RM Jan Gunnar Solli (off 82')

Assisted on Lindpierre's goal as he combined cleverly with Connor Lade. Ran all game until he was substituted late after going down with a leg injury.

Player Rating: 6.5

ST Kenny Cooper

His clever run created space for Lindpierre's first-half goal as he went far post and dragged the Galaxy back line with him. Did very well in the first half, holding up play and bringing the midfield into the attack. Slowed in the second half, but still a strong performance.

Player Rating: 6.5

Substitutes

CM Victor Palsson (on 77')

Looked more comfortable playing further up the pitch with McCarty sweeping behind him.

Player Rating: 6

LM Juan Agudelo (on 82')

The young striker was pressed into service in the left midfield after Solli's injury. Did well closing down the Galaxy and holding possession as the Red Bulls closed out their victory.

Player Rating: 6

New York, NY - Lately much has been written about the New York Red Bulls marketing strategy and the attendance at Red Bull Arena.

While it's easy to question the accuracy of the number of fans in attendance or who the Red Bulls organization is trying to target in terms of fanbase, I believe there is an elephant in the room that's not being addressed. 

Although the Red Bulls may be considered an energy-drink club to many MLS followers, the one thing that cannot be denied is their financial investment. Along with building possibly the best soccer specific stadium (SSS), the organization has brought in world-class players such as Juan Pablo Angel, Thierry Henry, Joel Lindpere and Rafa Marquez.

In doing so, the expectations were that along with the Red Bulls being a competitive MLS club much like their West Coast counterpart, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the players brought in were to attract fans of diverse cultures.

However, for all their financial investments, the Red Bulls have been consistent in being a mediocre club. 

At the end of the day, it's not the marketing, the location of Red Bull Arena, lack of attendance or the players brought in that has failed the Red Bulls organization. It comes down to the front office's decision to keep Hans Backe as New York Red Bulls' manager. 

Here's a question for you, how many of you Red Bulls supporters believe that your club will win an MLS Cup under Hans Backe? While it must be noted that Backe was brilliant in reversing the Red Bulls' fortunes in his first year, the team has not lived up to the expectations since. 

By no means am I suggesting that he's like Blackburn Rovers' manager Steven Kean. I simply believe that he may have reached his plateau with the Red Bulls. If the club has any intentions of going forward, they may have to bring in an individual who is not only respected but has the credentials to attract both local and worldwide attention.

The Red Bulls need to make an effort to hire Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola. If the Red Bulls were able to sign both Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry after their time with Barca, I believe they will be able to get a hold of Guardiola. 

Realistically, he's not going to manage another club anytime soon. But what if? Much like Phil Jackson, Guardiola is a manager who would be able to manage any club of talented superstars. If anyone dares to not fall in line, he'll have no reservation in offloading him.  

If anyone understands the time frame it takes to build a successful club, it's him because was also part of Barcelona's youth system who eventually played under Johan Cruyff and ultimately managed the club. 

He is a man who in four years has lead his club to two Champions Leagues, three Ligas, two Clubs World Cups, two European Supercups, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Supercups. He is a man who understands the importance of player development as he guided many of his his former academy players to the first team. 

Guardiola took Johan Cruyff's innovative tiki-taka style of play to a new level as his club produced 2.5 goals per match and won 72 percent of their matches. Having Pep Guardiola as manager of the New York Red Bulls would not only attract fans, it would make the Red Bulls credible.

It would also give the South Ward a leader whom they would believe could lead them to the MLS promise land.

Unlike past players who joined the team passed their prime, Guardiola is a manager who has yet to enter his prime. He's proven that along with relating with his players, he's also a manager that many supporters believe in. 

With the opportunity for world class players who fit Guardiola's model to join the club, the academy development would be interesting to follow because Messi, Pique, Iniesta and Busquets proved that an academy with a foundation of players who are cohesive will one day have the opportunity to thrive in the professional ranks. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Managing Barcelona or Real Madrid is probably more demanding and stressful than managing any other club in the world. Coaching in MLS would not be as stressful for Pep, and he'll have the privacy of living in New York that he would never have in Barcelona. 

While this would be a nice scenario for the Red Bulls and MLS fans in general, it is unlikely that Pep Guardiola would sign with New York? But what if?

Cesar Diaz is a freelance writer for several online soccer publications. If there’s a soccer topic you believe needs to be written about, please feel free to contact him. Easily approachable, you may contact him at CDiazNYC@gmail.com and @CesarDiazNYC.

Harrison, NJ - After last Sunday's disastrous 4-1 loss to D.C. United at RFK Stadium, the New York Bulls returned to Red Bull Arena and rebounded with a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution. 

The victory improved New York’s record to 4-3-1. As a result, New York is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference. Former Fordham University standout rookie goal keeper Ryan Meara played an excellent game and made some tremendous saves on Saturday. His performance was enough to earn himself Red Bulls Player of the Match.

While this was a much needed victory for the Red Bulls, who have gone 4-1-1 over their past six matches, it may have come at cost. Already playing without defenders Wilman Conde, Roy Miller, Jan Gunnar Solli, midfielder Teemu Tainio and forwards Juan Agudelo and Jose Angulo, the injury ridden Red Bulls will now have to add Thierry Henry to the list because. He suffered a hamstring injury in the first half. 

In addition to their injury woes, Rafa Marquez was serving the second game of a three-match suspension for his violent hit on San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas, which resulted in Salinas fracturing his clavicle in four places. Unlike Marquez who has been a liability to the Red Bulls, Thierry Henry has been the impact player which many Red Bulls supporters expect of him.

Living up to those expectations, Henry beautifully scored his MLS-leading ninth goal of the season in the seventh minute of the match. Accepting a pass from Red Bulls defender Connor Lade, Henry added the finishing touch as he chipped the ball over Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for New York, Henry was soon on the ground in agony, as he injured his hamstring minutes later. 

Following his exit, the Red Bulls lost it's offensive rhythm and was unable to produce another goal. Defensively, New York was fortunate that Ryan Maera was playing a sensational game because in the second half he prevented New England from equalizing. 

With the Red Bulls struggling for the third straight match, one has to wonder how are they going to perform the next month without Thierry Henry. Even though Kenny Cooper has been a force for the Red Bulls, many will wonder if he's able to shoulder the offensive scoring load.

Will Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere, Medhi Ballouchy and Dax McCarty elevate their offensive output and help produce some goals? Will Red Bulls manager Hans Backe make more use of former FCNY standout Jhonny Atreaga?

Red Bulls fans will find out as soon as next Saturday, May 5, 2012 when New York squares off against the Los Angeles Galaxy over at the Home Depot Center. 

Other MLS Results from the Weekend

Montreal Impact won 2-0 over the Portland Timbers.

Philadelphia Union lost 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes.

Vancouver Whitecaps won 1-0 over the Columbus Crew.

D.C. United won 3-2 over the Houston Dynamo. 

Chicago Fire lost 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders. 

Colorado Rapids won 4-0 over Chivas USA. 

Real Salt Lake won 3-2 over Toronto FC.

Los Angeles Galaxy battled FC Dallas to a 1-1 draw. 

Cesar Diaz is a freelance writer for several online soccer publications. If there's a soccer topic you believe needs to be written about, please feel free to contact him. Easily approachable, you may contact him at CDiazNYC@gmail.com and @CesarDiazNYC.

In what was a poor performance all around, the Red Bulls fell 4-1 to DC United at RFK Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The Red Bulls' defensive vulnerabilities finally caught up to them, as DC took advantage of numerous defensive lapses and the goals from Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper largely dried up.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Red Bulls are missing Wilman Conde, Roy Miller and even the suspended Rafa Marquez, as the short-handed squad was was ripped apart by a surging DC squad.

Debutantes Connor Lade and Victor Palsson had nightmare performances, but it will be Stephen Keel who will be singled out for his poor performance that allowed DC to build its 3-0 halftime advantage.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Meara will look responsible for the bad score line, but truth is it could have been worse. Had some big saves late to deny DC United two goals, showing his shot-stopping ability. The 21-year-old could do nothing about the four goals proving it's the New York defense, not keeper.

Player Rating: 7

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Was part of a right side that was the only bright spot of the Red Bulls attack for most of the match. Solli had a few good crosses including one Thierry Henry almost buried. He share some responsibility on the third goal for not closing down Nick DeLeon.

Player Rating: 6

CB Stephen Keel

Didn't close down well enough on the first goal, and was bullied by Maicon Santos on the second. Keel was slow and indecisive, and a real defensive liability. Brought off at halftime for Tyler Ruthven.

Player Rating: 3

CB Markus Holgersson

The Swede had his hands full with Chris Pontius all game. Holgersson made to look foolish on the striker's last goal, as he failed to block off the attacker as he bore down on goal.

Player Rating: 5

LB Connor Lade

Lade had a nightmare first half as he set up Pontius' third goal after a Maicon Santos cross got caught under his feet. The rookie out of St. John's was bullied off the ball in the build-up to DC's third goal. Lade's passing was erratic and he didn't really get forward. Got better as the game wore on and DC backed off.

Player Rating: 5

RM Dane Richards

Had a few good runs forward. Found Kenny Cooper in the box a few times, but the former Portland man could do nothing with the service.

Player Rating: 6

CM Dax McCarty

McCarty was part of an unfamiliar partnership with Victor Palsson, and it really showed. The ball didn't move very well through the midfield, and McCarty has to share part of the blame for that. Pressed forward into a more attacking role, he looked threatening at times.

Player Rating: 5.5

CM Victor Palsson

Another nightmare debut for a young Red Bull player. The young Icelander was bullied by Maicon Santos on the second goal and comically knocked the ball into his own box on the third as he lost his footing. Didn't defend particularly well and looked lost going forward.

Player Rating: 4

LM Medhi Ballouchy

Didn't do anything bad, but wasn't really doing anything good either. Ballouchy really drifts inside and shows no threat down the left flank. Looks much better when linking up play coming out of the middle of the park, but without Marquez, there wasn't too much of that type of play.

Player Rating: 5

ST Thierry Henry

Gave the ball away poorly on the first goal, but did his best to make up for it while struggling to spur the Red Bulls attack forward. Almost scored a brilliant goal in the 31st minute that was just deflected wide and scored a late goal off a free kick. But it was too little too late.

Player Rating: 6.5

ST Kenny Cooper

Perhaps his worst game so far as a Red Bull by Kenny Cooper. Had a few good opportunities, but was largely indecisive and ineffective. Was often too cute in the box, looking to link up with teammates instead of going at goal. Cooper's hold-up play is really one dimensional, as he looks to tap back to teammates instead of holding the ball and waiting for a good pass.

Player Rating: 4

Substitutes

Tyler Ruthven (45th minute)

Didn't play as bad as Keel, but that probably had more to do with DC than his hard work. Could have done more on the fourth goal.

Player Rating: 5.5

Joel Lindpere (45th minute)

Stretched the Red Bulls attack along the left flank. Lindpierre looked more attacking, but was unable to find an opening.

Player Rating: 6

Jhonny Arteaga (81st minute)

Didn't have time to make an impact.

Player Rating: INC

Better late than never for my player ratings, as the Red Bulls hosted San Jose in one of the most controversial games of the season. The first half had a little bit of everything — except defense — as both teams snatched two goals apiece.

Undoubtedly, everyone will be left talking about Rafa Marquez's tackle and kick of Shea Salinas in the 42nd minute that broke Salinas' collarbone. The second half was poorly played, to say the least, as neither team found any continuity in the attack, leaving a 2-2 scoreline a fair reflection of the match.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Could do nothing about the two San Jose goals as his defense let him down. Made a terrific save in the 55th minute to deny San Jose the go-ahead goal. He was confident and sure-handed throughout the match.

Player Rating: 7

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Did not defend well enough on both San Jose goals, although he will not bear the bulk of the blame. Didn't offer much going forward and his passing was very poor.

Player Rating: 4

CB Stephen Keel

I've had my doubts about Stephen, but he was outstanding in this game. Defended extremely well with a few blocks and crucial interceptions. Did his part to stop San Jose from finding the winning goal late in the second half by poking away the ball as Chris Wondolowski moved in on goal. Could have done better on San Jose's 2nd goal as he turned into a spectator.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Markus Holgersson

Seemed lost at times particularly on the first San Jose goal as he got caught in no man's land as he played Stephenson onside, without preventing him from heading on to goal. Did his job well enough most of the game, but seems to lose focus which is worrisome.

Player Rating: 5.5

LB Roy Miller

Came off injured in the 59th minute as a result of Marvin Chaves' scissor challenge from behind, which should have drawn a red card. Did not do well enough in San Jose's first goal as he failed to stay with Stephenson as he broke into the box. He did have a few moments going forward.

Player Rating: 6

RM Dane Richards

Danger man all night as he rounded San Jose defenders easily and served in good crosses. Created Dax McCarty's 22nd-minute goal after winning possession beating everyone down the right side and serving in a cross that was flicked on cooper and buried by McCarty. 

Player Rating: 8

CM Dax McCarty

Played extremely well as he consistently worked hard and won back possession. His 22nd minute goal was struck perfectly on the volley giving Earthquakes' keeper Jon Busch no chance. Did lose possession under pressure in his own half in the buildup to San Jose's first goal.

Player Rating: 7.5

CM Rafa Marquez

Failed to stay with the runner on the first goal, could have drawn 3 penalties for holding in the box, and looked to intentionally kick Shea Salinas' face in the 42nd minute in a challenge that broke his Salinas' collarbone.

Rafa seems completely disengaged unless he has the ball at his feet and even then he's up and down with brilliant then absolutely dreadful passes.

The only thing worse then his erratic play is when he decides to play defense and turns into a mad man recklessly challenging every player in sight. He will be surely he suspended by the MLS disciplinary committee, probably for three games, and he deserves it.

Player Rating: 2

LM Medhi Ballouchi

Wasn't the same player in this game. His distribution wasn't very good and he was largely ineffective before being withdrawn in the 61st minute for Joel Lindpierre.

Player Rating: 5

ST Thierry Henry

Not the great game we've come to expect from Thierry Henry. His passing was good as ever, but he disappeared as the Red Bulls lost fluidity in the 2nd half. He had two golden opportunities right in front of goal in the first half that could have easily been buried but his first touch let him down. Continued to work hard throughout the game, but couldn't find another opening.

Player Rating: 6

ST Kenny Cooper

Scored in the 5th minute to put the Red Bulls ahead, then assisted on Dax McCarty's goal with a clever flick on in the 22nd minute. Seemed to fade as the game wore on and the midfield seemed disconnected from the Red Bull attack.

Player Rating: 6

Substitutes

Connor Lade (on 59th minute)

Had a tough assignment in his Red Bulls debut as he attempted to keep Marvin Chaves under control. Had a few jitters but generally looked good filling in for the injured Roy Miller. Will have to work on his attacking play as he looked hesitant when charging forward.

Player Rating: 6

Joel Lindpierre (on 61st minute)

Added width to the Red Bulls attack as he looked to operate more on the flank then Medhi Ballouchi. Struggled to link up with Connor Lade going forward, which hampered the red bull attack along the right flank, but still had a few good moments.

Player Rating: 6

Victor Palsson (on 90+2' minute)

Not enough time to make an impression

Player Rating: INC

Rafa Marquez has been nothing but a problem for the New York Red Bulls since coming to the team in the summer of 2010.

Last year, he was suspended for one game after ripping his teammates in the media and accusing them of not being on the same level as him and then was suspended for three games after he threw a ball at Landon Donovan and then feigned getting hit in a scuffle he started.

His latest incident could and should earn him even more games lost.

In Saturday’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes, Marquez was matched up against Shea Salinas on a corner kick. As Salinas moved off the goal-line to get open for the ball, Marquez wrapped his arms around Salinas and tackled him from behind. As he toppled over Salinas, Marquez then delivered a kick to Salinas that broke the Earthquake midfielder’s clavicle.

The maneuver was not seen by the referees during the game, but it was caught clearly on video. It’s time for the MLS Disciplinary Committee to step up and deal him a proper punishment.

This is obviously not Marquez’s first offense, and he even had a prior track record for violent and dirty plays before even signing with the MLS. A hard tackle here or there, even the occasional red card, happens and can be tolerated. However, fouls intentionally meant to hurt another player should never be accepted as part of the game.

A message has to be sent to Marquez, if anything will get through to him.

Not only should the league make a stand, but the Red Bulls should as well.

No player is above good sportsmanship and respecting the game, not even a Designated Player that was the third-highest paid player in the league last year. Marquez has missed so many games for New York, and if last year is any indication, he has not done a tremendous amount to help the team win games.

This should be Marquez’s third strike with the organization. As per the baseball rule or with the NFL substance abuse policy, three strikes means you’re out.

He has done nothing but cause headaches and generate negative publicity for the team and the league. Someone needs to step in and show Marquez, and any other dirty players, that if this is the way you choose to play, you will pay.

It’s uncalled for and enough is enough.

With two goals—including an MLS Goal of the Week nomination—and an assist in the New York Red Bulls' 4-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Sunday, Thierry Henry was named MLS Player of the Week.

It’s the third week in a row he’s earned those honors and he is the first player in MLS history to ever win three consecutive Player of the Week awards.

His historic run and impressive start to the season—seven goals and four assists—has New York Red Bulls fans excited. Since coming to the team in the middle of the 2010 season, he has delivered the goods and has been a great Designated Player signing, worth his hefty contract (second-largest in the league).

Signing a player as a Designated Player contract has not historically meant success on the field. Many players such as Luis Angel Landin, Blaise Nkufo and Geovanni have been failed signings.

Henry has been a success. In 42 MLS regular season games, he has 23 goals and 11 assists. Has the Frenchman been the best DP signing in league history, though?

To properly gauge his impact, we first have to exclude guys that graduated to DP salaries. Players like Landon Donovan, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Alvaro Saborio, Fredy Montero and Shalrie Joseph came into the league on normal contracts. They played so well that they earned a raise, one that put them over the DP threshold.

While they’ve had great careers in MLS, they weren’t typical DP signings. They were given the contract because of past success in the league, not as high-profile transfers from teams around the world that face the uncertainty of adapting to the MLS.

Robbie Keane had a nice run at the end of the season for the Galaxy, scoring four total goals in nine appearances across all competitions, but he needs to play more games in MLS for us to be able to really determine his impact.

The real competition for the best DP signing is between Henry, Juan Pablo Angel, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the man the rule was created for, David Beckham.

Blanco was a huge success for the Chicago Fire. His team made the playoffs in each of his three seasons, and in 2007 and 2008 Blanco was selected as a finalist for the MVP award. He was an exceptional talent with a fiery attitude to match.

There could be two slight downsides to his time in MLS—and it could just be nitpicking—but one was that the Fire never made it past the conference finals. In 2009, his last year with the team, the Fire were upset by wild card (and eventual champion) Real Salt Lake.

He also played forward, but only scored 16 goals in three seasons for the team. A player’s value is not measure in goals alone, but as a forward it is your main job, and Blanco did not light up the stats sheet.

Juan Pablo Angel was a lethal scorer for the Red Bulls. He owns the record for most goals scored for the franchise in all competitions with 62, and he was a fan favorite.

Angel was eventually moved out in favor of Henry, however, and the Frenchman hasn’t disappointed, especially with Angel slowing down in past years.

Angel spent a lot of time in New York with injuries, struggled mightily with the Galaxy, and only scoring three goals all year, and now finishing with Chivas.

As for Beckham, the English midfielder was the reason the DP rule was made. Off the field, he has lived up to all the hype. Beckham-mania has hit the country with all the commercials, magazine covers and jersey sales.

He’s sold out MLS stadiums on the road and his presence has gotten the league more attention and more respectability, and has influenced other international players like Henry to come over and play in the league. It’s hard to imagine any player ever making the kind of commercial impact Beckham has had on the league.

His play on the field, however, has been more tumultuous. Yes, he was part of the league’s Best XI last year and was a major component in the Galaxy winning the MLS Cup. That being said, there has been so much negativity associated with Beckham’s on-field performance.

For the first four years of Beckham’s MLS contract, he spent time either on the bench injured or on loan in Italy. He openly talked about his desire to go back to Europe in order to continue to play for the English national team. He fought with teammates, most notably Landon Donovan.

All in all, he didn’t look like he really wanted to be in or play with the Galaxy, or even in America.

It wasn’t until the final year of his first MLS contract that Beckham seemed engaged and committed to Los Angeles and the MLS.

Since coming to the MLS, Henry has fully committed to the Red Bulls. He has retired internationally and is giving his full attention to his club team. He’s sometimes cantankerous as a player, he has high expectations for himself and his teammates, and he has no problem unleashing his emotions.

What he has done, on the other hand, is score lots of goals, and he is always the hardest working player on the pitch for the Red Bulls. He knows when to take charge himself or when to let his teammates step up. He was also part of the MLS Best XI last season, along with Beckham.

He still needs to score more goals in big games (like Angel), dominate the league, receive individual attention for his play (like Blanco) and win a championship to go along with his ability to bring in more fans to games (like Beckham), but Henry has only played in 42 games, just a bit more than one full season.

What he has done in a short amount of time has been incredible. He is absolutely one of the best DP signings in league history and he still has a lot of time to do even more for the Red Bulls.

It’s only been five games into the 2012 season, but Ryan Meara has made an impact in goal that the New York Red Bulls were missing badly last season.

In the first five games last season, the team had only allowed three goals, but they had to use three different goalies (and they only had two wins). As the season went on, mistakes by the man in net were abundant and the team used five different players at the position.

Mistakes, inconsistencies and not having chemistry on defense doomed the Red Bulls, as they barely made the playoffs and suffered a second-round exit.

It was a position that team desperately needed to upgrade in the offseason. So it was a bit puzzling when a franchise that has had no issues spending money on players and recruiting mostly foreigners to join the squad put the team literally in the hands of an American rookie.

The 21-year-old out of Fordham University was selected by the Red Bulls with the 31st pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. He was the first goalie taken in the draft and the only player the Red Bulls selected in the draft.

“We think he’s the best goalkeeper in the college system. He’s big, he’s strong, we need a goalie, and he’s from New York,” Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler told the media after the draft. “Every factor that we looked at was there, and he was the player we wanted most from the draft simply because we needed a goalkeeper.”

Meara beat out another young American, Jeremy Vuolo, for the starting spot out of preseason and he has been quite the find. He has started the first five games and played every minute of them. He leads all of MLS in saves (21) and the Red Bulls have three victories.

The Red Bulls defense was bad last year and is still rather shaky. The loss of Tim Ream and his calmness on the ball is a big one. Markus Holgersson has failed to adjust to MLS thus far, Wilman Conde has not been healthy and the defensive bite in midfield has been absent due to the injuries of Teemu Tainio and the early suspension of Rafa Marquez.

Still, Meara has held strong in the back and has made a number of great saves to protect Red Bull leads or keep the team in the game.

“He’s looked very composed. He’s a low-key guy, but a hard worker,” head coach Hans Backe said in an interview with the New York Post. “Fingers crossed now, I think definitely he has a future.”

The 6'4" goalie commands a strong presence and poise in net. He shows good athleticism and in the team’s poor opening to the season in Dallas, Meara was one of only a couple of bright spots.

He was born in Yonkers, New York and admits he grew up a MetroStars fan. The club, despite all its recent struggles finding a keeper, has had the luxury of playing some of the best goalies in league history such as Tim Howard, Tony Meola and Johnnie Walker.

“Going into this whole process, in the back of my mind I was thinking the Red Bulls. I was thinking how staying local would be great,” Meara said in an interview for the team’s website.

Meara is young and there still is room for improvement, as there should be. But he has looked like a good prospect early on and as the defense in front of him solidifies itself and he develops better chemistry with them, he could develop into one of the best in the league.

For right now, though, the responsibilities he has taken on have been huge and he has performed admirably. The consistency he has brought to the Red Bulls defense is just as important as the goals that Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper have scored.

It looks like the name Ryan Meara will be one that actually sticks around for a while.

Red Bulls strikers Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper both scored a brace, the second time that has happened already this season, as the Red Bulls routed Columbus 4-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium. Cooper scored a quick-fire double in the 8th and 13th minute and from then on the game was never in doubt. Henry added his first goal towards the end of the first half and again in the waning minutes of the second half.

Columbus really struggled to maintain possession and move the ball into the attacking third. In the few moments when the crew managed to create chances their finishing was terrible, the highlight coming in the 63rd minute when Emilio Renteria missed an opportunity from just outside the 6 yard box. Columbus did add a 89th minute Chad Marshall goal off a corner kick, but it was too little too late for the lethargic Crew.

Player Ratings

GK Ryan Meara

Poor communication almost cost the young keeper early on, but he got better as the game progressed. Had a number of great saves towards the end of the second half as his defense seemed to lose focus. Deserved a clean sheet for his second half effort, but was denied by an 89th minute Chad Marshall header.

Player Rating: 6

RB Jan Gunnar Solli

Defended well and got forward throughout the game. Looked really good attacking up the right flank throughout the match.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Markus Holgersson

Defended well early on and well into the second half. Broke up play along the right side. Really faded as the game came to a close, allowing Renteria to get back into the action. Should have been stronger on the 89th minute Marshall goal, but the game was already won.

Player Rating: 6

CB Steven Keel

Had more than just a few shaky moments, including a dangerous back pass that incited the venom of Red Bulls Manager Hans Backe. All-in-all he looks a step behind the MLS game. Red Bulls will be hoping Conde can find fitness because Keel can be exposed.

Player Rating: 5

LB Roy Miller

Will get the assist as he found the killer ball on the Henry's 40th minute goal. Other then that was rarely found in the attacking third, but his defense was solid throughout the match.

Player Rating: 6.5

RM Dane Richards

Had a few good moments early, including am 18th minute charge into the box that lead to a shot that barely fails to find the upper corner. Yet his performance takes a hit due to his hesitance on the ball during a few attacks. He often seems short of ideas with the ball at his feet at the edge of the box and a defender blocking off his path to goal. Was subbed in the 80th minute for Joel Lindpiere.

Player Rating: 5.5

CM Dax McCarty

Worked hard for his team helping win back possession and blunting the Crew's attack through the center of the park. Did well in the build up to Henry's 40th minute goal and executed a great chip to Henry in the 47th minute that almost lead to a spectacular goal.

Player Rating: 7

CM Rafa Marquez

Distribution was much better in this match as he consistently picked out the right pass to send the Red Bulls surging forward. He played in a more deep lying roll then usual and looked more comfortable. Executed two clever Set Piece plays that caught the Crew off guard, but failed to find the back of the net.

Player Rating:  7

LM Medhi Ballouchi

Was everywhere in the offensive third helping to break down the Crew. Always made himself available for teammates and consistently moved the attack forward with his passing. Didn't really operate well along the left wing choosing to play more centrally linking up play.

Player Rating: 7

ST Thierry Henry

Scored two goals and assisted on a third, ho-hum for the league leader in goals and runner up in assists. Strong play by partner Kenny Cooper allowed Henry to drop back into the midfield and orchestrate as a play maker throughout the match.

Player Rating: 8

ST Kenny Cooper

Cooper did well to turn and finish in the 3rd minute and was a bit lucky on his second goal off a deflected Dane Richards shot in the 13th. His hold up play was really impressive as he consistently brought teammates into the attack. Has developed a fruitful partnership with Thierry Henry that see's him just behind the Frenchman in second place of the MLS scoring table.

Player Rating: 8

Substitutes:

Joel Lindpiere (on 80th Minute)

Made an impression in his short appearance as he surged up the left side late in the match making the Columbus defense look foolish before finding Thierry Henry for his 90th minute goal.

Player Rating: 7

Kenny Cooper didn't live up to expectations last season for the Portland Timbers. The former FC Dallas standout was supposed to be the kind of impact player the expansion team needed to make its first season in Major League Soccer special.

Instead, Cooper struggled on John Spencer's team and didn't find the net the way people expected. He looked lost at times and short of confidence. The homecoming from a disappointing European journey with German team TSV 1860 Munich just didn't pan out for Cooper.

With a relatively high salary by MLS standards, Cooper was deemed too expensive to hold on to by Portland. The New York Red Bulls jumped at the chance to trade for the player before the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, sending allocation money and the Red Bulls' 2013 first-round draft pick to Portland.

And Cooper has been anything but a disappointment for the Red Bulls since arriving; in fact, he's been a perfect counter-balance to the Red Bulls' other experienced forward, a certain player by the name of Thierry Henry.

There was a chance the Red Bulls would be without Luke Rodgers this year. It was known that Rodgers' troubles with the law in England meant that obtaining a work visa for him for the 2012 season would be difficult even though he received one for the 2011 season.

Rodgers was the perfect foil for Henry last year. He played with energy, pestered defenders and created space for Henry to play in. The two had a great understanding of one another. And what was an early-season fear became reality when Rodgers wasn't granted his visa for this season and New York terminated his contract with the team.

With Hans Backe's reluctance to play Juan Agudelo, the latest in a long line of American forward prodigies, New York needed to find a suitable replacement for Rodgers, a player who could supplement Henry's goal scoring and who could add another dimension to the potent New York attack.

Erik Solér, the team's general manager/sporting director, saw a chance to sign Cooper and felt that Portland's offer was fair. He pulled the trigger and made the trade happen. And already New York is reaping the benefits of the move.

In four games, Cooper has scored four goals and helped Henry tally a few of his own as well. Between them, Henry and Cooper have scored nine of New York's 10 goals this season—Henry has chipped in three assists as well. They appear to have meshed together especially well the last two home games. 

New York scored one goal in its first two games of the season—in the 2-1 loss to FC Dallas on the opening weekend—and lost both games. In its last two games, New York has scored nine goals—a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids and a 5-2 win over the Montreal Impact. Cooper and Henry have been the focal point of those games as well, and they look to have settled into playing with one another, which spells trouble for the rest of MLS.

Before Cooper moved to Europe, he was a regular on the scoresheet as a goal scorer. In his last season in MLS with FC Dallas before his move overseas, Cooper tallied seven goals in 15 matches. The previous year, 2008, Cooper scored 18 goals in 30 matches. Cooper knows how to find the back of the net, especially in MLS, and he looks to be a new man since his move away from Portland.

Cooper's size and pace make him the perfect player to work off what Henry does on and off the ball. Cooper likes to run through the channels and work defenders, while Henry has started to drift deeper into the midfield in recent seasons to get on the ball more and create. With Henry pulling defenders out of position and Cooper playing on their shoulders, the Red Bulls have a nice forward combination that can create and exploit space better than arguably any pairing in the league. 

If Cooper and Henry can continue to click and develop, there won't be too many questions asked of the Red Bulls' weak back line because teams will have to pack it in and defend against two of the best forwards in the league.

Not to mention the fact that a 19-year-old goal scoring prodigy in Agudelo lurks on the bench when things aren't going according to plan.