UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Rafa Márquez vs. Omar Bravo. That’s how Saturday’s game between the New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City was billed when the schedule came out.
Unfortunately, an injury to Bravo means the two Mexican internationals won’t face off, but with or without their marquee goal-scorer, Sporting’s three-forward attack presents a dangerous challenge for Márquez and his back line mates.
[inlinenode:331582]“We really have to focus on our game,” Márquez told MLSsoccer.com. “Whether they play with three forwards, two forwards or whatever, we need to be aware of what they’re doing at all times. That can be the challenge.”
But Márquez also believes that Sporting’s 4-3-3 alignment could be something on which the Red Bulls can capitalize.
“We can take advantage of the space they leave in the midfield,” he said.
To take that advantage, Márquez will be key. His ability to send long, penetrating passes and switch the field will help spring the counterattack from deeper than most teams can. His vision can create opportunities for New York to break out and continue their recent goal-scoring trend, including seven goals in their last two matches.
“I try to make everything in order, not just defensively but going forward into the attack,” Márquez said. “I can definitely start the attack. I have a big responsibility in also getting my teammates involved, but that is something I am comfortable with.”
Bouna Time Again: In the final 20 minutes of last Thursday’s win in DC, goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul was tested several times by United and was unbeaten. After starting the season on the bench behind Greg Sutton, Coundoul appears headed for another start on Saturday.
“That’s a difficult one, but Bouna has his confidence right now,” Backe said. “That will be a tough decision to make.”
Coundoul worked exclusively with the first team during training on Thursday.
[inlinenode:332994]Lindpere a Go: Having not practiced with the team this week, left midfielder Joel Lindpere trained with the club on Thursday. The Estonian, who had his knee drained for a second time late last week, has been plagued with a knee knock since preseason training. He looked a bit tentative at times in practice but participated fully.
“He’ll be OK,” Backe said.
Rodgers in Favor: Part of the intrigue surrounding the Red Bulls right now is that all their forwards seem to be in form. Thierry Henry has three goals and two assists over the past two games, and Luke Rodgers was named MLS Player of the Week last week for his dominating, two-goal performance against San Jose.
Meanwhile, Juan Agudelo scored an early favorite for AT&T Goal of the Year against United, but it looks like Rodgers will likely start with Henry on Saturday. That duo worked together almost exclusively during training on Thursday.
“[Rodgers’] pace means a lot because he’s the guy who stretches defenses,” Backe said.