By BRIAN LEWIS
Red Bull defender Jeff Parke _ recovering from a sprained ankle _ made the trip to D.C. for Saturdayâs derby against archrival United, but isnât expected to start.
âI still think Jeff is not 100 percent soccer-wise. I think heâs done very well rehabbing, but I will resist the temptation to play him,ââ said coach Juan Carlos Osorio. âHe is travelling with us, but as far as playing, he will not start.ââ
With 24-year-old Gabriel Cichero serving the second game of a two-game suspension, that leaves the Red Bulls without their two best central defenders. When asked whether he felt comfortable playing a three-man backline with Andrew Boyens, Kevin Goldthwaite and newcomer Diego Jimenez, Osorio said yes, but didnât sound likely to do so.
âI am comfortable; however as you know, I always plan the game thinking who we playing against, what our needs are. I will take those considerations in mind when I decide what formation to use. But yes, I do feel comfortable with those (three) players in the back.ââ
Iâm guessing they go with a 4-4-2, with Jimenez and Goldthwaite on the left, and Boyens as the right centerback. He could go with backup Chris Leitch at right back, or shift Seth Stammler from his d-mid role to fullback.
