The Red Bulls are expected to start Carlos Mendes at centerback tomorrow night against Chivas USA, and rest veteran Mike Petke. Rookie Tony Tchani the second overall pick, seems set for his first MLS start as well.
The 34-year-old Petke has played every minute of every game this season, logging a team-high 990 minutes in 11 contests. But he also made a gaffe on Brian Ching’s goal Wednesday _ either mistiming his jump on a cross or stepping up to force Ching offside, whichever take one believes.
Backe said the move was specifically NOT performance-related, but simply because Petke had shown signs of fatigue late in games and Mendes also provides similar veteran leadership.
“Perhaps thinking about Mendes instead of Petke. He’s played so many, many games now, and this last week Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday, perhaps we’ll just look for some fresh legs,” Backe said. “They’re the same, Mike and Carlos, two leaders on the pitch, they know the game. They’re rather even, the same type of players.
“It’s just fresh legs, fitness. Mike has played every game, every 90 minutes. Sometimes you can Petke not really having the fresh legs.”
The 29-year-old Mendes had suffered a torn labrum in his hip back in 2008, but played through the injury and logged a dozen games last year _ 11 of them starts _ before finally having season-ending surgery. He has slowly worked his way back to form.
Tchani has excelled in the U.S. Open Cup, and carried over that form Wednesday when he replaced hamstrung Dane Richards in the 15th minute _ even doing it at the unfamiliar left midfield spot before eventually moving back to the center of the pitch.
“He did really well in a half-left position but then we switched back to Seth Stammler. But then it will be central or half-left,” Backe said. “It’s been ups-and-downs, and that’s normal with a player with no experience. Too many unforced errors, support passes, side passes when he can go forward.
“But he surprised me in the Wednesday game in the way he drives from midfield, the way he runs in behind, and the final passes I think he had two to Juan Pablo (Angel) to beat the centerback. He definitely confirmed what I’d hoped from him.”
After a display Wednesday that was not only typically-dogged but also surprisingly-skillful, forward John Wolyniec has impressed Backe and seems likely to start against Chivas USA. If striker Salou Ibrahim passes a fitness test on his hamstring, he’d dress and begin the game on the bench.
Backe also praised midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, who is making a very successful transition from central midfield to out wide. Backe said once he gets into the mentality to get the ball and attack quickly on the flank, he’ll be a real weapon.
More to follow from practice today…
