Matchday @Houston: Dynamo vs Red Bulls ~ The Viper's Nest

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Matchday @Houston: Dynamo vs Red Bulls

Good afternoon! After their two exhibition games, against EPL opposition, the Red Bulls return to MLS action today @Houston's Robertson Stadium. It's the MLS debut of of Thierry Henry and the legendary Frenchman will be looking to open up his goal account in League play. The Dynamo hasn't won in MLS play since May 22nd and will be looking to get back in the running for a playoff spot with a victory today. With all that in mind, let's get to some predictions:

Matt Conroy (aka Who Shot Sam) has this for us:

This is a huge game for the Red Bulls. Of all the clubs in MLS, we have the toughest remaining schedule, with two games left against several top clubs, including Toronto FC, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. So it's absolutely vital that we pick up maximum points from struggling teams, such as Houston. Robertson Stadium is never an easy place to play, with its narrow pitch and rowdy crowd, which should be even rowdier than usual because of TH14's league debut. Still, I like the Red Bulls to win this one. One for Angel, another for Kandji and the Red Bulls will win 2-0. Henry will play well, but will not open his league account. Naturally, I'd be perfectly happy if he debuts with a hat trick.

I'm going to go with a Red Bulls victory myself. The pairing of Thierry Henry and Juan Pablo Angel will be too much for the Dynamo. Final score: Red Bulls 2, Houston 1.Homebrew Tim has this for us:

The TH14 era begins in earnest tonight as Henry starts in his first league match. I’m hoping that we see more of what we saw during the Barclay’s New York Challenge last week, but it’s so hard to tell if what we see in friendly matches is meaningful. (Remember back to the Santos match, when we kept the ball so well that the Santos fans broke out the “Ole’s!” for us.) With Henry here, I do think there will be a real difference. He does things that MLS defenders just are not used to, and early indications are that the entire Red Bull team is responding to his presence with better play. Red Bulls really need to take three points tonight, with their next three games against Chicago , Toronto , and L.A. , and I think they will. 2-1 Red Bulls. Angel and Lindpere, on two assists from Henry.

That's all for now. Look for our engrossing commentary on this game in the coming days. Viper Out!

This is a huge game for the Red Bulls. Of all the clubs in MLS, we have the toughest remaining schedule, with two games left against several top clubs, including Toronto FC, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. So it's absolutely vital that we pick up maximum points from struggling teams, such as Houston. Robertson Stadium is never an easy place to play, with its narrow pitch and rowdy crowd, which should be even rowdier than usual because of TH14's league debut. Still, I like the Red Bulls to win this one. One for Angel, another for Kandji and the Red Bulls will win 2-0. Henry will play well, but will not open his league account. Naturally, I'd be perfectly happy if he debuts with a hat trick.

The TH14 era begins in earnest tonight as Henry starts in his first league match. I’m hoping that we see more of what we saw during the Barclay’s New York Challenge last week, but it’s so hard to tell if what we see in friendly matches is meaningful. (Remember back to the Santos match, when we kept the ball so well that the Santos fans broke out the “Ole’s!” for us.) With Henry here, I do think there will be a real difference. He does things that MLS defenders just are not used to, and early indications are that the entire Red Bull team is responding to his presence with better play. Red Bulls really need to take three points tonight, with their next three games against Chicago , Toronto , and L.A. , and I think they will. 2-1 Red Bulls. Angel and Lindpere, on two assists from Henry.

That's all for now. Look for our engrossing commentary on this game in the coming days. Viper Out!

Saturday, July 31, 2010