HARRISON, NJ - For the first time in his nearly four year career, Dane Richards is consistently playing like a talented soccer player, not a bizarro-Usain Bolt who happens to be on a soccer field.  He meshed skill with speed excellently in New York’s 2-0 win over San Jose tonight, picking up a goal and an assist.  Equally important as the success of the oft-frustrating Richards was the solid play of Metro’s three headed monster of Marquez, Angel, and Henry.  Thierry Henry got a growing monkey off his back by picking up his first MLS league goal and sealing the win for the home side.

“I think its been our best game.  After going up a few goals and possessing the ball, still creating chances, it was a good game all around.” – Red Bulls defender Tim Ream.

The Red Bulls had an excellent game, controlling possession for long spells of the match and creating solid chances.  Finishing was still a bit of a problem for the squad, as Angel and Henry both hit the post during the match.  John Busch, who had the unfortunate luck of having the last name Busch and playing in front of the Empire Supporters Club for 45 minutes (‘Your Busch Stinks’ is just one example of a plethora of chants thrown his way during the match) was also forced to work hard, making two excellent saves on Henry chances.  Although New York didn’t score on every shot, they got enough to win and Henry picked up his first goal, settling an excellent low cross from Richards in the 63rd minute and pushing it past Busch.  Richards himself scored in first half stoppage time, collecting a headed ball from Joel Lindpere at the top of the box and streaking past two defenders before decking Busch and slotting the ball home.

“I think Dane’s been playing with confidence, and he should, the guy can get behind anybody in the league.  I think he’s learning the other intricacies of the game.  I think that’s from playing with the quality that we have and him honestly being a sponge and willing to learn.  I’ve played with a lot of guys with his speed that don’t have the humility to say ‘I can still learn and still get better’”. – Red Bulls right back Chris Albright

Dane has been steadily improving and regardless of the reason when he is on form the Red Bulls are a better team.  The entire midfield played well, with Tony Tchani moving the ball excellently and Rafa Marquez having the best game of his New York career (despite not scoring a wonder-goal).  Marquez’ influence was clear in the second half, when New York would go through long spells of dominance and strings of passes to cries of ‘Ole’ from the crowd.  The defense also worked well, and although they weren’t airtight (Cornell Glen managed to get the opportunity to miss sitters against them) they secured the shut out.

New York’s current form has fans and members of the team excited, and there is talk (quite possibly prematurely) about the MLS Cup after Metro’s last two wins.  Hans Backe, who loves to downplay expectations, has stated explicitly that he doesn’t think his side is good enough to win the championship.  The final is a long way away but if this form continues even Backe might have to change his tune.

Lineups:
New York- Bouna Coundoul, Roy Miller, Tim Ream, Carlos Mendes, Chris Albright, Joel Lindpere, Tony Tchani (Seth Stammler 84), Rafa Marquez, Dane Richards, Thierry Henry (Salou Ibrahim 88), Juan Pablo Angel (Macoumba Kandji 72)

San Jose- Jon Busch, Tim Ward, Bobby Burling, Brandon McDonald, Bobby Convey, Joey Gjertsen (Geovanni 55), Khari Stephenson, Sam Cronin (Ryan Johnson 78), Arturo Alvarez, Chris Wondolowski (Omar Jasseh 63), Cornell Glen

Scoring Summary:
46: Dane Richards (NYRB 1: San Jose 0)
63: Thierry Henry (NYRB 2: San Jose 0)

Disciplinary Summary:
6: Yellow to Bobby Burling (San Jose)
38: Yellow to Dane Richards (NYRB)
56: Yellow to Bobby Convey (San Jose)
75: Yellow to Joel Lindpere (NYRB)
81: Yellow to Tony Tchani (NYRB)

Attendance: 21, 859

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