(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bull)
In a season where there has been hardly anything to be happy about, the New York Red Bulls seem to have a new look about them.
The first game after head coach Juan Carlos Osorio announced his resignation, interim head coach Richie Williams was put to the test against FC Dallas. The Red Bulls played a great match, and ended up earning their first win since May.
The team entered today having to play the Columbus Crew, who were "red" hot not having lost for eight MLS games (winning six and drawing two).
But, the Crew were faced with the challenge of playing this new look Red Bulls team. A team that entered the game with a new swagger behind captain and leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel.
Attended by 10,000 plus fans, the game was a defensive battle the whole way through. The two teams went back and forth throughout the game, finishing with practically the exact amount of shots, corner kicks, and possession percentage.
Given the defense, the game became extremely physical, at least enough to warrant the referee to issue six yellow cards (three to each team, another exact match).
But, the scoring drought for both teams ended in the 63rd minute when Dane Richards of the New York Red Bulls jolted away from the pack and put a break-away goal in behind Columbus goalie Andy Gruenebaum (who started tonight in place of usual starter Will Hesmer).
The rest of the game continued the defensive battle as, although there were chances, no other player was able to break through with a goal.
The New York Red Bulls now are riding a two game win streak for the first time in the season, and behind the leadership of interim coach Richie Williams, the team seems to have a new confidence and a rebirth in the season. The Red Bulls have only won four games in total this season, but all four have been at home.
They hope to finish out the season strongly after a very disappointing year, as the Columbus Crew will try to battle through the season to receive a better spot in the playoffs.
The Red Bulls will next take on the Kansas City Wizards on September 12 at home, and the Columbus Crew will return home to play the Houston Dynamo on September 13.
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