MLS Red Bull New York

Red Bulls Weekly Update: New York's 2011 Season Comes to An End

Published on November 7, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


2011 SEASON COMES TO AN END

The Red Bulls' 2011 season came to a close last Thursday night when they were defeated by 2011 MLS Cup Finalist, the Los Angeles Galaxy, 3-1, in the two-legged Conference Semifinal series. New York finished the regular season with a record of 10-8-16 and 46 points, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Having clinched the final Wild Card spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs with their 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Oct. 20, New York kicked off its postseason with a 2-0 road victory at FC Dallas in the Wild Card Round on Oct. 26, setting up the Conference Semifinal with the Galaxy.

Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry led the team in scoring with 14 goals, which was the third-best mark in Major League Soccer. Midfielder Dane Richards enjoyed a fantastic statistical season, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists, both of which were single-season career highs. Last year's team Most Valuable Player Joel Lindpere matched Richards with seven goals and seven assists, and made team history by appearing in the most games (34) and playing the most minutes (3,048) of any player in club history in a single season. The Red Bulls were also boosted by the arrival of a few key newcomers. Forward Luke Rodgers proved his penchant for finding the back of the net, as the Englishman was second on the team in goals this season with nine, despite missing significant time due to injury. The Red Bulls enhanced their roster with the midseason signing of Designated Player and goalkeeper Frank Rost, who earned five shutouts in 11 appearances.

In late July, New York became the first American side to win the Emirates Cup, the annual four-team showcase tournament hosted by England's Arsenal FC. The Red Bulls defeated French side Paris Saint-Germain, 1-0, and tied host Arsenal 1-1 to take the trophy. It was also a memorable second season at Red Bull Arena, with four sell-outs for Red Bulls matches.

Below are some additional notes and highlights of the Red Bulls 2011 season.

MENDES, RICHARDS BECOME CLUB'S ALL-TIME POSTSEASON GAMES PLAYED LEADERS

Defender Carlos Mendes and midfielder Dane Richards became the team's all-time postseason leaders in games played during the 2011 campaign, as both featured in their 11th game for the club. Richards, who started all three matches in the 2011 postseason for New York, also became the club's leader in postseason minutes played with 976. Mendes, the team's longest tenured player, made two appearances this postseason, including a 90-minute start in the first leg against the Galaxy on Oct. 30.

CLUTCH PERFORMER

Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere scored his second postseason goal in the team's 2-0 victory over FC Dallas in the Wild Card Round on Oct. 26. Last season, Lindpere scored the lone goal in New York's defeat of the San Jose Earthquakes in the first match of the teams' home-and-home aggregate Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Both goals were game-winners.

PLAYOFF FIRSTS

Thierry Henry's goal in the eighth minute of second half stoppage time of the Red Bulls' victory last on Oct. 26 over FC Dallas was the Frenchman's first career MLS Cup Playoffs goal. Henry led the team in scoring this season with 14, which was also third-best in all of Major League Soccer.

The victory also marked the first playoff game and shutout for goalkeeper Frank Rost. Rost, who went 4-4-3 this season with a 1.33 goals-against average, made seven saves in the victory.

Red Bulls forward Luke Rodgers also notched his first career playoff goal when he opened the scoring in the second leg of the Conference Semifinal on Nov. 3 against Los Angeles with a fourth minute goal.

CONSISTENCY

Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere heads into the 2012 season second in Major League Soccer in consecutive regular season games started. Lindpere trails only Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux, who has started 58 consecutive matches.

RED BULLS SELL OUT FOUR GAMES IN 2011

The Red Bulls' 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Oct. 20 was the team's fourth sell out of the season and third straight to end the year. The other games to sell out were the team's 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fore on Aug. 13, a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Sept. 24, and a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Oct. 4.

MARQUEZ TO MISS FIRST TWO GAMES OF 2012 SEASON

Red Bulls defender/midfielder Rafa Marquez will miss the first two games of the 2012 MLS season, as he will continue to serve a three-game ban due to a red card following the Red Bulls' Conference Semifinal Leg 1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Oct. 30. Marquez served the first game of the suspension in the second leg of the Galaxy series on Nov. 3.

RED BULLS ELIMINATED FROM MLS CUP PLAYOFFS BY GALAXY IN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Forward Luke Rodgers recorded his first career playoff goal, but the New York Red Bulls were eliminated from the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 3-1 Conference Semifinal aggregate goal loss to the reigning MLS Supporters Shield winner, the LA Galaxy, after the Galaxy earned a 2-1 victory Nov. 3 at The Home Depot Center in the second leg. New York needed to win, as LA won the first leg, 1-0, on Sunday, Oct. 30 at Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls scored four minutes into the encounter, tying the series 1-1 on aggregate. New York forward Thierry Henry was able to turn and face the goal and slid a perfectly weighted ball to an on-rushing Rodgers, who beat defender Omar Gonzalez and slid it underneath goalkeeper Josh Saunders and into the net.

Los Angeles looked to recapture its series lead five minutes later, as David Beckham had enough space to curl an attempt just over the crossbar. Soon after, Henry had a long-distance blast held by Saunders. Galaxy forward Robbie Keane was inches away from scoring, rifling an acute angle shot off the left upright in the 19th minute.

The Galaxy had a golden opportunity to retake the series advantage in the 38th minute. Los Angeles midfielder Chris Birchall ripped a 30-yard shot that goalkeeper Frank Rost could only parry in front of him. Keane was first to the rebound, but his left-footed one-timer was blocked by a diving Rost.

Los Angeles tied the game and took a 2-1 series advantage three minutes from halftime. Beckham's in-swinging corner kick found an open Mike Magee, who nodded it into the back of the net for his second goal in as many games.

After halftime, Rodgers almost doubled his tally on a similar play to his opening goal in the 57th minute. Midfielder Dax McCarty played a through ball to Rodgers, and the forward again split the Galaxy centerbacks and ran into space. However, his left-footed shot went into the side netting. Less than 10 minutes later, New York defender Roy Miller curled his attempt past the left post.

LA sealed the series in the 74th minute when Miller fouled Beckham inside the 18-yard box, earning the hosts a penalty kick. Galaxy captain Landon Donovan stepped up and converted from the spot.

Henry had a chance to knot up the game and bring the series to within one eight minutes from full time, slamming a free kick just over the crossbar.

New York midfielder Rafa Marquez was suspended for Thursday's match while Teemu Tainio left the game in the 16th minute due to tightness in his right hamstring.

RED BULLS FALL TO GALAXY, 1-0, IN FIRST LEG OF CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL

A 15th minute goal by Mike Magee lifted the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in front of 22,663 spectators in the first leg of the teams' 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinal Series. The Red Bulls and Galaxy complete their two-game series on Thursday, Nov. 3 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA at 11:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes). The team that has the most goals over the two legs advances to the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Final.

L.A. had two good cracks at opening the scoring in the 12th minute, but failed to convert either chance. Robbie Keane had a go from the top left corner of the box, curling the ball towards the far post, but the ball rang off the upright and stayed out. Magee was there for the rebound, nodding his header towards an open net over the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Magee would give the Galaxy the lead. Los Angeles earned a free kick just inside the Red Bulls' half, where David Beckham and Sean Franklin exchanged short passes on the restart. Beckham looped the ball inside the box to Magee, who had timed his run perfectly to beat New York's offside trap. From a sharp angle, Magee fired a left-footed half volley that snuck inside the far post.

The Red Bulls began the second half quickly and created a chance right off the bat. Rafa Marquez lofted a pass over the Galaxy defense, playing Dane Richards in on goal. Richards tried to chip the ball around goalkeeper Josh Saunders, but Saunders was able to get his hand on the attempt. A minute later, Thierry Henry tried a bicycle kick off a failed Galaxy clearance and barely missed the far post.

Joel Lindpere then nearly tied the score in the 49th minute and was thwarted by Saunders. Richards crossed the ball towards the penalty spot from the right side of midfield, and Lindpere was the first to it. Saunders reacted well to Lindpere's one-time, left-footed effort and tipped the ball over the crossbar.

After Saunders' impressive work, Red Bulls goalkeeper Frank Rost answered with a fine save of his own in the 55th minute. Galaxy captain Landon Donovan got on the end of a long ball, and outran Tim Ream at the top of the box to get free. Donovan unleashed a half-volley looking for the far post, but Rost was able to parry the ball away.

New York continued to search for the equalizer and almost cashed in on a corner kick in the 89th minute. Substitute Mehdi Ballouchy took the set piece, and Carlos Mendes rose above his defender and headed the ball towards goal and off frame.

Marquez and Galaxy midfielder Juninho were given red cards after a post-match scrum at midfield and both will be unavailable for the second leg on Thurs, Nov. 3 at The Home Depot Center.

RED BULLS KNOCK OFF FC DALLAS IN WILD CARD ROUND, 2-0 TO ADVANCE TO CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL

Led by a solid defensive performance, the New York Red Bulls advanced in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-0 win over FC Dallas Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Pizza Hut Park in a Wild Card match. Midfielder Joel Lindpere tallied his second career postseason goal after a scoreless first half, while Thierry Henry wrapped up the result with a tally of his own in second half stoppage time.

FC Dallas got a good chance on goal in the ninth minute when the ball bounced to the top of the Red Bulls 18-yard box. Jackson got to it first and tried to round goalkeeper Frank Rost, but the netminder blocked his shot. Five minutes later, New York defender Tim Ream's clearance went straight to Marvin Chavez, who controlled it and put it past the right post. Twenty minutes in, New York had its opening chance, as Rafa Marquez headed Lindpere's corner kick delivery over the crossbar.

In the 32nd minute, Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty slid it to Henry and the French forward had enough space to fire a left footed attempt high. Later, Henry almost found an open Richards in the penalty box making a run. However, goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was quick off his line to collect.

Hartman came up big for the hosts with eight minutes remaining in the interval, punching away a Ream 15-yard blast. On the other end, Zach Loyd swung it to an open Jackson, who couldn't get his header on frame.

The Red Bulls took the lead in the 61st minute. Lindpere raced through the center of the pitch and fired a shot that Hartman parried away. Richards was the first to collect the rebound and passed it to substitute Mehdi Ballouchy along the right wing. Ballouchy created enough space to roll a cross into the six yard box that Lindpere poked under Hartman and into the back of the net.

The visitors tried to double their advantage five minutes after, as Lindpere made another darting run that troubled the FC Dallas defense before finding Henry. Henry got to the ball and lobbed it over an on-rushing Hartman and off target. With less than 15 minutes remaining, FC Dallas' Brek Shea slipped in on goal and chipped it towards net. Ream, however, was on the goal line to clear the attempt to safety. The Red Bulls were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute, as defender Jan Gunnar Solli was given a red card for a hard tackle on Daniel Hernandez. Solli was suspended for New York's Sunday home leg against Los Angeles.

Jackson tried to take advantage with his team being a man up, forcing Rost to his right to gather his low blast. Moments later, Henry controlled a Marquez free kick and his subsequent shot on goal was stopped by a fully extended Hartman.

Henry secured the victory in second half stoppage time. With FC Dallas pressed forward searching for an equalizer, a clearance out of New York's defensive half found a wide open Henry. Henry ran in alone on goal and his initial shot was deflected by Hartman. The Red Bulls leading scorer though easily got to the loose ball in front of the endline and tapped it in for his first career playoff goal.

RED BULL ARENA SET TO HOST BIG EAST MEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS WEEKEND

Red Bull Arena will host the BIG EAST Conference Men's Soccer Championships this weekend. The semifinal games are on Friday, Nov. 11 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM before the championship match takes place at 12:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 13. This is the second consecutive year that Red Bull Arena will host the BIG EAST championships.

Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.redbullarena.us. Ticket prices for the competition are below (please call 1.877.RBSOCCER for special prices for groups of 10 or more):

2-Day Package (Adult):

Sideline: $20

Corner Flag: $16

2-Day Package (Student/Youth):

Sideline: $12

Corner Flag: $10

Single Game (Adult):

Sideline: $15

Corner Flag: $10

Single Game (Student/Youth):

Sideline: $7

Corner Flag: $6

There are 16 teams in the BIG EAST, which are divided into a Red and Blue division. The top 12 teams will earn a berth into the championship. Championship tournament games will be held on the campus of the higher seeded teams prior to the semifinal and championship game at Red Bull Arena. The tournament champion receives the league's automatic berth into the 48-team NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.

RED BULLS ACADEMY UPDATE

Red Bulls U-13 and U-14 Teams Stay Undefeated: The Red Bulls Under-13 and Under-14 Academy Teams stayed undefeated as both posted victories over the weekend. On Saturday, the Under-13 side defeated Boston by a 4-1 score, and followed up the victory with a shutout 4-0 win on Sunday over Delco, with Marquez Zella scoring twice.

The Under-14's got goals from Gideon Metrikin, Matt McCarthy, Stephen Elias and Jerel Blades as they knocked off Delco, 4-0.

Check out the Red Bull New York Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 7, 2011


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