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The New York Red Bulls are running out of time to do something -- anything -- in hopes of making the 2011 MLS Playoffs. New York (6-6-15) has not won an MLS match since defeating New England, 2-1, on June 10 and things won't get easier when they face FC Dallas (13-8-7) in Dallas at 8:30 p.m. Et on Saturday.
The Red Bulls will be without left fullback Roy Miller and midfielder Carl Robinson due to injuries Miller has a right Adductor strain and Robinson has a right knee contusion. Brian Nielsen (knee surgery recovery), defender Tim Ream (lower leg contusion), striker Luke Rodgers (plantar fasciitis) and goalkeeper Frank Rost (right quadriceps tear) are all listed as questionable.
The Red Bulls will also be without the services of two key players due to disciplinary issues. Jan Gunnar Solli was given a red card in first half stoppage time on Saturday in the team's 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Norwegian will thus be unavailable for selection for the Red Bulls' match on Saturday, Sept. 17 against FC Dallas. Defender Rafa Marquez is also suspended after earning his fifth yellow card of the season against Vancouver.
The Red Bulls' chief issue this season has been on the defensive end. They have given up 38 goals in 27 games, after giving up only 29 goals in 30 games last season.
"[We're] giving away too many unforced errors," head coach Hans Backe said of what he wants - and doesn't want - to see from his squad. "We get breaks against us too much, at the end of the day, a team will score."
Red Bulls End Winless Streak, But Likely Too Little Too Late
Saturday night the New York Red Bulls brought their eight-game winless streak into Pizza Hut Park knowing very well the odds were stacked against them in making the playoffs. FC Dallas on the other hand had fallen over their last six games and was looking to rebound to keep a good seed in the upcoming playoffs. The ending result, a 1-0 Red Bulls victory, may not have been what most expected.
While the Red Bulls were already shorthanded there may have been a bit of relief in knowing FC Dallas leading scorer, Brek Shea, was unavailable to play, due to a yellow card accumulation penalty.
Despite the lack of their leading scorer on the pitch Dallas kept up the intensity getting off 19 shots in the game, 8 on goal, compared to the New York’s six shots with four on goal. For the Red Bull they made one of their four on goal count, and that was all that was needed. Luke Rodgers had the lone goal of the match in the 36th minute and the Red Bulls, helped by a clean sheet by Frank Rost, would hang on to win their first match since a 5-0 victory against Toronto on July 6th. It was also only their 2nd road win of the season.
Due to the new expanded MLS Playoff structure the Red Bulls currently find themselves sitting in the final spot for the playoffs, but DC United still holds an advantage with two games in hand.
The Red Bulls will see a major challenge this coming Wednesday when they take on Real Salt Lake in Red Bull Arena.
Sep 18 9:29a by Stephen Crociata