Conference Management

After a disappointing losing streak, the New York Red Bulls are looking to put aside their reputation as the worst team in the league. Their new attitude – and ability to win – has been reinforced by the arrival of Ritchie Williams as new head coach. Williams arrived after Juan Carlos Osorio was dismissed two weeks ago. With only 16 points, the New York team was in last place of the Eastern Conference, with little chance of participating in the MLS playoffs. Determined to improve their image, the Red Bulls gave their best effort in their final match against the Columbus Crew, the current MLS champions. Their work paid off; the Red Bull were able to obtain victory with a final score of 1-0. The match proved a fierce challenge for both clubs. Each team gave an incredible fight, with a first half full of action as the Crew struggled to defend themselves while the local Red Bulls imposed on their opponents with constant attacks. Despite the furor, the half ended with the score 0-0. The second half began with the same emotion as at the onset, if not more. The Bulls picked up the pressure and the pace of play, aiming incessant direct shots to the Crew’s goal. It was this action that put the Bulls ahead in the scoring at minute 63, when midfielder Dane Richards intercepted a pass from the opposing team. The Jamaican took the ball and advanced at full speed towards Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, at whom he sent a powerful shot that opened the score. The Bulls had further opportunities to increase their lead, but were unable to capitalize. Nevertheless, New York obtained a deserved victory, one that seems to indicate a new beginning, a move toward success. The win was, after all, the Red Bulls’ second consecutive win since coach Williams took over the team. At the same time, the Colorado Rapids, who lolled at the bottom of their conference, managed to get ahead in a match against the Houston Dynamo. The Denver team’s performance was far superior to that of its rivals, as evidenced by defender Julien Baudet. Baudet, who had just returned after recovering from a broken arm, scored the only goal in the game, allowing his team to defeat the Orange 1-0. The first half of the match was simple and held little action, marked by a lack real opportunities. In the second half, however, both teams – and in particular Colorado – brought real emotion to the game, creating several dangerous plays that put both goalkeepers on alert. Both Matt Pickens and Pat Onstad, the Rapids and Dynamo goalkeepers, respectively, had an intensified world load; in spite of the onslaught, however, each was able to reject the repeated attacks. Finally, at minute 55, Baudet emerged. The French defender caught a pass from a corner kick and, after repelling striker Kei Kamara’s defense, moved close to his rival’s net, into which he headed a powerful shot that defeated Onstad. The Houston goalkeeper didn’t even have a chance to react. After the game, the Colorado Rapids moved to fourth place in the Western Conference with 33 points.