Red Bulls take on Eastern Conference foe Toronto FC on Sunday
Following a convincing 4-1 win against a D.C. United team in much the same boat as the Red Bulls, New York plunges ahead in hope of its first back-to-back regular-season wins this season against Toronto FC on Sunday at Giants Stadium. Furthermore, TFC will be without leading assist man Amado Guevara (sidelined due to a suspension after his ejection in Toronto FC's match with FC Dallas on Aug. 3). Maurice Edu and Marvell Wynne, both in Beijing competing in the Olympic Games, may or may return for the match given that the U.S. squad was eliminated by Nigeria on Wednesday morning.
Sunday's win over D.C. boosted the Red Bulls into a tie for fourth in a crowded Eastern Conference. A win this Sunday over Toronto FC, pending other MLS results, would boost New York into sole possession of fourth place. D.C. United, Toronto FC and Kansas City currently are tied for fourth in the East. United plays at Chicago (second), no easy match, while Kansas City plays at Colorado.
"I still think that they are a very good team," Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said, referring to the fact that Toronto FC potentially could be without three of their leading contributors. "They have threats to their game, Chad Barrett (being one of them). I think he is a good player, can play from behind, can score goals. Whoever they are missing, I think they'll be a tough team to play against. We'll be ready."
But Osorio, a master of details and game preparation, maintains that he organizes his game plan as if both Edu and Wynne were in the lineup.
"As always, it's difficult to know what the opposite team is doing," Osorio said. "I always plan for the worst-case scenario, meaning I plan on (Toronto FC) playing a strong team. I will only rule out the players that will be suspended. Everyone else in my opinion will have a chance."
Toronto FC is fresh off a, 1-0, rare road result at Colorado.
"Carver always puts a well-organized team on the field," Osorio said. "They will probably be strong based on the fact that their last result was big for them, playing away from home. That was huge. I think that our team is in good health. We'll be ready for that game."
Toronto's win over Colorado brought their road mark to 2-6-0. The Reds seek their first-ever win at Giants Stadium on Saturday.
"If we want to be successful, we have to win our home games," Osorio said. "Hopefully we will have managed to do that. I think the League in general is tough (when teams play on the road). We can only worry about our own results and try to be prepared for our next game."
While Toronto is likely to be missing players, the Red Bulls are getting players back from the injured last. Dane Richards and John Wolyniec trained on Wednesday.
"I was extremely pleased today to see Dane (Richards) back on the field," Osorio said. "John (Wolyniec) was also back on the field. It looks like the team is getting stronger and fitter. That can only please us as a coaching staff. I'd rather have hard decisions to make than making decisions based on the lack of options and possibilities. I think it is an option (for Dane to play this weekend), (but) I'll look very hard on that. I don't want to rush into anything and then have (him take) a step back."
One of the Red Bulls' latest addition, Jorge Rojas, seems to be enjoying things. Rojas has three assists in as many games, is anchoring the midfield and is playing a crucial role in the attack.
"We all know he's a quality player," Osorio said. "I think the League and its teams became aware right away of him. He's getting some treatment from the opposition. It's not very difficult to see that teams come and play very hard on him. I do think that Jorge will benefit a great deal from the way we want to play when we get another player.
Then Osorio paused.
"I have to be critical," he said with a chuckle. "He has to score some goals too."
