D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls: Keys to 2nd Leg Semi
The New York Red Bulls won 2-0 in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal against D.C. United at home on Sunday afternoon.
The second leg will take place at RFK Stadium as first-seed D.C. tries to avoid early elimination from the MLS playoffs, like New York last season when they won the Supporters' Shield.
Here are the keys to the game on Saturday.
D.C. Has to Be More Organized Defensively
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D.C. United had one of the best defenses in MLS during the regular season. They conceded the joint-lowest amount of goals with 37, but they struggled in the first leg of their playoff match against New York.
Bradley Wright-Phillips, Thierry Henry, Lloyd Sam and others had far too much space and time on the ball. Whenever D.C. was dispossessed, they were transitioning forward and were exposed on the counter.
In these situations, Perry Kitchen and Davy Arnaud have to track back quicker and help the back line. If they can do that, the space for New York's attackers becomes a lot tighter, which will limit their chances.
The Eric Alexander and Dax McCarty Partnership
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One of the main catalysts for the Red Bulls' late rally after the World Cup break was the midfield partnership of Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander.
They played a large part in Fabian Espindola and Eddie Johnson's invisibility in the first leg. Both strikers didn't get open very often, but when they did, Luis Robles was there to make a save.
New York is up 2-0 entering the second leg at RFK Stadium, so it's vital for the Red Bulls to defend that lead as they may not have as much possession as they did in the previous match.
McCarty and Alexander have to track back and help out the defense when necessary, because the likes of Espindola will be a factor in this game.
D.C. Must Be Wary of the Flanks
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Many teams have strong wingers, but New York's Lloyd Sam is one of the best in his MLS role. He may not assist on as many goals as someone like Landon Donovan, but his technique and pace make him dangerous.
This is why D.C. has to be aware of the threat that Sam poses to any defense. Thierry Henry is also influential whenever he drifts out wide.
New York will try to counter as well, so United has to be extra cautious whenever the Red Bulls try to attack down the flanks.
Thierry Henry
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Even at 37 years old, Thierry Henry continues to have an impact for the Red Bulls. His intelligence and vision are unmatched by many in MLS, and it's benefited New York for the last few seasons.
It's important for D.C. to hone in on Henry. When Sporting Kansas City closed him down in the first half of their knockout-round game, New York's attack was significantly poorer.
Whenever Henry has the ball in the final third he's a constant threat, so if he can be restricted, D.C.'s chances of a win go up dramatically.
Get the D.C. Strikers Involved
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Fabian Espindola and Eddie Johnson combined for four shots in the first leg versus New York, per MLSSoccer.com.
Espindola had a career year in 2014. He scored 11 goals in 27 appearances in the regular season, so he's performed above expectations. It's Johnson who's been disappointing.
The American had seven goals in 26 games and had just one attempt in the first leg. His play has to be much better if D.C. has any hopes of winning MLS Cup.
However, it also comes down to the service both strikers receive. If neither forward gets involved, the odds of scoring two or three goals to stay alive in the playoffs drastically declines.
