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The Red Bulls haven’t won in well over two months, a dozen-game winless streak _ 11 in MLS. And if they’re going to snap that skid tonight against Colorado, they’re going to have to do it on the road, where they are mired on a 23-game winless skid that’s the worst in league history.
It’s been that kind of bad for the Red Bulls, historically and hysterically bad at 2-14-4. They’ve added some new bodies in the summer transfer window, so they’re hoping some can debut tonight, and the rest can debut in Thursday’s vital CONCACAF Champions League tilt, giving them a lift.
Mike Petke _ playing against the Rapids team he left this offseason _ was the last centerback left standing, with Carlos Mendes and Kevin Goldthwaite hurt, and Andrew Boyens ineffective. But the club signed Leo Krupnik from UEFA Champions League-bound Maccabi Haifa to help the defense.
That defense has allowed an MLS-high-tying 33 goals, and 11 of them have come in the waning minutes of a half or a game. That’s cost them dearly, crushing their spirit even more than their horrid finishing _ which is the worst I’ve ever seen, but a different matter altogether. “It comes down to mentality, be ready for all the situations. The most important thing is to keep concentration and be aware. The last minutes are the easiest ones to fall asleep. So hopefully we can fix that,” said Krupnik. “The team obviously needs help all over. We’re just trying to figure out a solution to the puzzle, and hopefully I can add some more help.”
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio also said that newly-signed keeper Bouna Coundoul _ a Bronx resident who has played for Senegal in the African Cup of Nations _ may also get a start as well. Whoever does will get a break in not having to face Conor Casey, who scored a brace in their May meeting but is with the U.S. in the Gold Cup.
Austrian winger Ernst Oebster had his first practice yesterday and likely won’t start, but Osorio _ coaching fir his job _ knows the value of getting the newcomers a game before Thursday.
