The chances for Carlos Mendes have been few and far between in the first half of the Major League Soccer season. Rookie Tim Ream has been solid alongside veteran Mike Petke in central defense, leaving Mendes on the Red Bulls bench.
But on Saturday, Mendes acquitted himself well defensively. He played the full 90 minutes as the Red Bulls defeated Chivas USA, 1-0, in front of 18,815 at Red Bull Arena.
It was the club’s last match before the World Cup break and a perfect time for Mendes, who was sent off against New England in his last appearance on May 29, to prove his worth to first-year Red Bulls coach Hans Backe.
“I think both Mendes and [Tim Ream] defended well, I would say,” Backe said. “He’s on the same level I would say as Petke and Tim Ream.”
Mendes, who replaced Petke because Backe believed Petke had “tired legs,” didn’t have much to do defensively, but he did well when he was challenged. In the 23rd minute, Justin Braun worked his way past Ream, but Mendes provided cover, conceding a corner.
Five minutes before the half, Mendes again did well, picking off a Braun cross, patiently clearing the ball from danger.
“I think he was phenomenal today, very solid,” Red Bulls captain Juan Pablo Angel said. “He’s quick, strong. I think he played brilliant today. It’s a good competition for places right now. I think he has given the coach something to think about.”
Mendes said he’s full recovered from hip surgery that ended his 2009 season last July. But he’s just working on game fitness at this moment.
“Anytime you can’t perform and do your job it’s tough to sit,” Mendes said. “But I was patient, worked hard to get back and I think coach is showing confidence and giving me opportunities. It’s always tough to sit down and watch. I’m still not 100 percent. My game fitness still has to get there. Overall I’m happy with where I’m at and where the team is at.”
Mendes played the opening half of a 2-1 U.S. Open Cup victory against Philadelphia and then captained the squad in a 3-0 win against New England in the Cup on May 12. He came on as a substitute against Columbus, assisting on the Red Bulls lone goal. It was his first MLS appearance since June 27, 2009.
“He’s tough, he’s athletic and he did a great job,” Chris Albright said of Mendes. “I’ve played a lot with him and a lot with Mike and all three of us have had a good relationship.”
Despite his two yellow cards against New England on May 29, Backe went back to Mendes Saturday night.
“It’s nice that coach had confidence in me and puts me right back in there,” Mendes said. “You never really want to go out like that.”
