The story from New Jersey………Dynamo look to position themselves for 2nd leg

Reflect back on how many times you have ever been able to say that the Dynamo just didn’t look up for the moment.
Not many,
One though was this year in MLS during the 3-0 loss to the Red Bulls during the regular season. But don’t fret Dynamo fans this team is prepared and nothing other than self inflicted mistakes or a magical night from Juan Pablo Angel can turn the tide in the favor of the Red Bulls.
Artificial surface will be the neutralizer here for both teams but even more so for the Dynamo who are the better passing and possession team.
So beyond that here are some things to look for:

*The weather should be in the low 60’s at Giants Stadium, early in the week snow flurries had hit the area.

*As we noted on Thursday the surface at Gillette Stadium for the NE/Chicago game does not invite the most attractive soccer.
This game will be more of a grinding battle with less “beautiful soccer” and more direct play. With strikers like Brian Ching for Houston and Juan Pablo Angel midfield will be by-passed for direct play making knock downs and second ball recovery important.
The team that makes more plays and fewer mistakes will prevail. Remember that game one in two game sets generally are more calculated as both teams are setting themselves up for game 2. If the Red Bull has this attitude they will be doomed.

*The best attacking options for New York are their wide midfielders Dave Van Den Berg and Dane Richards. Richard’s pace and attitude has to go a long way for New York and with Brad Davis pulled into the interior of midfield alot they will try to isolate Richards against Wade Barrett. Van den Berg loves the target of JUAN PABLO ANGEL and sometimes crosses that don’t look dangerous turn into goals from this talented striker. A big night for defenders EDDIE ROBINSON (if he starts and he should) and BOBBY BOSWELL. This is a real area of concern as ANGEL needs few chances to produce.
Mike Magee floating in the hole could provide danger as well.

*The Dynamo attack is talented with individuals like Dwayne DeRosario, Brian Ching and wide men Brian Mullan and Brad Davis who need to set the tempo early. This will be a fight…that is if New York has anything in the “belly”. They certainly didn’t against Chicago and are very fortunate to be here.
Juan Carlos Osorio will be back as the coach of the Red Bulls next year it was announced.

Keep an eye on the Kansas City and Columbus opener today on HDNET.
The Wizards have roared into the playoffs and are 5-1-1 in their last 7 while Columbus has been patiently waiting around after being the first team to qualify. This will be interesting and I would not be surprised if KC pulls off an upset at Community America Ball Park , a smaller field. This smaller field will make it easier to defend Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Kansas City will try to make this a frustrating night………

RSL vs Chivas at Rio Tinto…….It has not been artistic but RSL found a way to get in the playoffs and now must find a way to win at home against the “goats”. One of the hottest strikers in MLS is YURA MOVSISYAN who is turning it on at the right time.
RSL really was poor against Colorado and one wonders if they can handle the pressure at home tonite as Chivas is battle hardened. Tough one to call……

From America’s heartland……….Glenn Davis signing off.