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DP Dissection: Henry Gets It Going
A breakdown of how the league's Designated Players did this week.
Aug 30, 2010 10:58:00 AM
By Avery Raimondo
If Earthquake goalkeeper John Busch watched Thierry Henry at all while the striker reigned over the EPL during the last decade, he like most of the crowd at Red Bull Arena would have known that he was completely hopeless. Expectedly, with a strike eerily similar to so many at Highbury, Henry in his fifth league match in MLS finally had his name inscribed onto the list of Red Bull/Metrostar scorers.
The beautiful half-volley may have appeared simple, but the striker’s scoring difficulties thus far had showed that the goals would not come as effortlessly as some had predicted.
From his first match against Houston to the victory against Toronto FC last weekend, Henry had a multitude of opportunities that he either scuffed or were heroically saved. Even against San Jose, that elusive first goal appeared that it would once again not materialize.
First, a perfectly slotted shot beat Busch, but then caromed off the goal frame. Then, a backheel off of a Roy Miller cross was parried away by the San Jose keeper. His last denial came after he audaciously flicked the ball up to himself and almost chipped Busch off the volley.
Busch had no answer though in the 73rd minute when Henry collected a Dane Richards cross and then rocketed his finish under the keeper’s wrists.
Red Bull manager Hans Backe stated, “I think for every striker it’s important to score” in regards to how vital the goal was for Henry.
Backe went on to describe how crucial Henry is for the resurgent Red Bulls.
“Our game gets going with his movements, his passing game, and of course when other teams try to close him down, it will open up space for other players.”
Rafa Marquez was another Designated Player who starred on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in front of 21,859. The Mexican, from his deep playmaking position, orchestrated the match with a calmness and steadiness rarely seen in MLS.
Once the Red Bulls went up 2 goals, Marquez’s simple passing pervaded through out his teammates. As New York held onto possession for long periods, the energy of the Earthquakes slowly petered away as it became more and more obvious that they would be unable to get at least a point.
“He runs the midfield. He’s always demanding the ball. He’s always finding the open guy which allows everybody to settle down,” said rookie centerback Tim Ream. “It breaks the other team’s back being able to string 20, 30 passes in a row and then almost scoring.”
Despite New York’s phenomenal play of late, Hans Backe continues to be quick to temper any MLS Cup talk around his side.
“I don’t think that we are good enough to be honest,” said Backe.
If the Red Bulls continue to mesh like they have over the last few weeks, it will be impossible to contain the championship chatter. And there may not be a better way to justify the DP rule than the team with the most winning the title in Toronto.
Here’s a rundown on how the rest of the league’s DPs fared this past week:
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire): Did not travel with team to take part in 2-1 defeat against the Seattle Sounders
After two matches in which Castillo was out of shape and largely ineffective, Fire manager Carlos de los Cobos decided to leave the Mexican at home. It’s a positive sign that Chicago is willing to be patient with their new star, but the club is currently entrenched in a battle for a playoff spot. The Fire need Castillo to start performing like Cuauhtémoc Blanco rather than Luis Ángel Landín if they wish to fulfill their playoff aspirations.
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-1 defeat against the Seattle Sounders, received a yellow card in the 83rd minute for a reckless foul
The Swede’s play was relatively quiet during his return to Seattle; the reaction towards him by the rave green crowd was the opposite. While he was cheered prior and after the match, every touch elicited boos throughout his first ninety minutes at Qwest since being traded to Chicago.
Ljungberg took the jibes in stride saying, “Of course, it’s special to come back, you know. I have a special relationship with people in this city and I thought the fans were just amazing.”
Branko Boskovic (DC United): Started, played ninety minutes in 1-0 defeat to Chivas USA
Although Boskovic was unable to find a breakthrough for D.C., he was among the struggling side’s best players as he combined well in the midfield and served in some dangerous corners. Also this week, Boskovic was called up for two Montenegro Euro 2012 qualifiers in early September, which means that he’ll likely miss at least one club match. This presents a conundrum for Don Garber; as more and more international stars arrive in the States, they will also miss crucial league matches because MLS doesn’t align with FIFA’s schedule.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy): Did not play in 2-0 defeat to the Kansas City Wizards due to his ruptured Achilles tendon.
There are no new reports on how Becks is recuperating from his injury, but some interesting quotes from England manager Fabio Capello could be worrying for Galaxy supporters.
The News of the World quoted the Italian as saying, “First Beckham has to be playing again, but the door is always open [about a return to the English National Team]. We’re monitoring all the players.”
Although most fans would love a player of theirs to appear internationally, those in LA just want Beckham to focus on his club team for once.
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-0 defeat against the Kansas City Wizards
Positioned just behind the forwards, Donovan was asked by Bruce Arena to act as the central playmaker for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The USMNT star’s usual bursting runs were replaced by some threaded passes that should have resulted in goals. Twice Chris Birchall had golden opportunities parried away by Jimmy Nielsen and Tristan Bowen stubbed one second half chance created by Donovan. Still, there’s a thought that pervades around the league that the star hasn’t regained his motivation from before the World Cup break.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls): Started, played seventy-two minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes
New York’s captain has also had some recent finishing problems that were highlighted by a missed sitter this weekend. After Henry’s backheeled flick rebounded to his feet, Angel struck the post with the opening goal waiting in front of him. The Colombian has played well otherwise as of late, looking re-energized like most Red Bulls with the arrival of Marquez and Henry.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls): Started, played eighty-eight minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes, scored his first Red Bull goal in the 63rd minute
Henry reiterated the sentiment of his manager. Although he was positive about the night, he still thinks that New York can improve.
“I think it can get way better,” said Henry. Juan could’ve scoring tonight, I could’ve score a couple more, and San Jose could’ve score. As I said, I’m still not fully fit, Rafa also. They way we played against Toronto, the way we played tonight, I’m talking about the way we’re passing the ball and keeping the ball I think can only be great for the future.”
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes
Rafa’s greatest contributions came in the simplicity of his play, but Marquez also showcased the flair that could make him a fan favorite. One particular moment stood out as successive cuts caused both Bobby Convey and Cornell Glen to hop in the air to block nonexistent crosses before the midfielder delivered a dangerous, chipped ball to the back post.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes): Started on the bench, came in at the 55th minute in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls
The Brazilian was largely invisible during his substitute appearance except for serving in one dangerous cross and having a freekick deflected. Like with most DPs, San Jose manager Frank Yallop spoke leading up to the match on how Geo needed time to regain fitness. The recent performances of the Designated Players on the opposing team illustrated this point as Titi and Rafa have begun to flourish.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders): Started, played 73 minutes in 2-0 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League – Started, subbed out in stoppage time in 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire
Like most of the Sounders, Fernandez seemed out of sync during the disappointing CCL loss to Monterrey. The impressive rhythm and conviction in his combination play was nonexistent in his far too frequent turnovers. Against Chicago, Fernandez’s play was slightly better, but still not of the same quality of past weeks.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders): Started, played 45 minutes in 2-0 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League – Started, played 82 minutes in 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire, received yellow card in the 43rd minute for unsporting behavior
While much was made of Henry’s goalless drought to open MLS play, Nkufo’s inability to score has received much less coverage. The Swiss striker provides a quality outlet for the Sounders and links well, but at some point Seattle needs their DP forward to begin scoring.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC): Started, played ninety minutes in 1-0 defeat to Aarabe Unido of panama in the CONCACAF Champions League - Started, played ninety minutes in scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake
Losing in Panama and only getting a point at home, the week was a disappointing one for Toronto FC. De Guzman though was arguably the club’s best field player in both matches as his defensive presence in the midfield allowed the club’s attack to push forward.
Mista (Toronto FC): Did not play in 1-0 defeat to Arabe Unido of Panama in the CONCACAF Champions League because of a coach’s decision - Started, played ninety minutes in scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake
Mista’s performances matter little compared to him actually making an appearance. The reported rift between the Spanish striker and his headstrong manager Preki was somewhat alleviated by his ninety minutes over the weekend. Preki’s decision to rest his DP in the midweek appears likely to have more to do with the decision to focus on the league rather than any disagreements.
Omar Bravo (Kansas City Wizards in 2011):
Although Bravo isn’t in MLS just yet, we’ll still have sporadic updates on how the Mexican striker is doing. He wasn’t able to score in Chivas nil-nil draw with Pumas over the weekend, but his current team will be traveling to the West Coast for friendlies against Chivas USA in San Diego and the Seattle Sounders this autumn.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
The beautiful half-volley may have appeared simple, but the striker’s scoring difficulties thus far had showed that the goals would not come as effortlessly as some had predicted.
From his first match against Houston to the victory against Toronto FC last weekend, Henry had a multitude of opportunities that he either scuffed or were heroically saved. Even against San Jose, that elusive first goal appeared that it would once again not materialize.
First, a perfectly slotted shot beat Busch, but then caromed off the goal frame. Then, a backheel off of a Roy Miller cross was parried away by the San Jose keeper. His last denial came after he audaciously flicked the ball up to himself and almost chipped Busch off the volley.
Busch had no answer though in the 73rd minute when Henry collected a Dane Richards cross and then rocketed his finish under the keeper’s wrists.
Red Bull manager Hans Backe stated, “I think for every striker it’s important to score” in regards to how vital the goal was for Henry.
Backe went on to describe how crucial Henry is for the resurgent Red Bulls.
“Our game gets going with his movements, his passing game, and of course when other teams try to close him down, it will open up space for other players.”
Rafa Marquez was another Designated Player who starred on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in front of 21,859. The Mexican, from his deep playmaking position, orchestrated the match with a calmness and steadiness rarely seen in MLS.
Once the Red Bulls went up 2 goals, Marquez’s simple passing pervaded through out his teammates. As New York held onto possession for long periods, the energy of the Earthquakes slowly petered away as it became more and more obvious that they would be unable to get at least a point.
“He runs the midfield. He’s always demanding the ball. He’s always finding the open guy which allows everybody to settle down,” said rookie centerback Tim Ream. “It breaks the other team’s back being able to string 20, 30 passes in a row and then almost scoring.”
Despite New York’s phenomenal play of late, Hans Backe continues to be quick to temper any MLS Cup talk around his side.
“I don’t think that we are good enough to be honest,” said Backe.
If the Red Bulls continue to mesh like they have over the last few weeks, it will be impossible to contain the championship chatter. And there may not be a better way to justify the DP rule than the team with the most winning the title in Toronto.
Here’s a rundown on how the rest of the league’s DPs fared this past week:
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire): Did not travel with team to take part in 2-1 defeat against the Seattle Sounders
After two matches in which Castillo was out of shape and largely ineffective, Fire manager Carlos de los Cobos decided to leave the Mexican at home. It’s a positive sign that Chicago is willing to be patient with their new star, but the club is currently entrenched in a battle for a playoff spot. The Fire need Castillo to start performing like Cuauhtémoc Blanco rather than Luis Ángel Landín if they wish to fulfill their playoff aspirations.
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-1 defeat against the Seattle Sounders, received a yellow card in the 83rd minute for a reckless foul
The Swede’s play was relatively quiet during his return to Seattle; the reaction towards him by the rave green crowd was the opposite. While he was cheered prior and after the match, every touch elicited boos throughout his first ninety minutes at Qwest since being traded to Chicago.
Ljungberg took the jibes in stride saying, “Of course, it’s special to come back, you know. I have a special relationship with people in this city and I thought the fans were just amazing.”
Branko Boskovic (DC United): Started, played ninety minutes in 1-0 defeat to Chivas USA
Although Boskovic was unable to find a breakthrough for D.C., he was among the struggling side’s best players as he combined well in the midfield and served in some dangerous corners. Also this week, Boskovic was called up for two Montenegro Euro 2012 qualifiers in early September, which means that he’ll likely miss at least one club match. This presents a conundrum for Don Garber; as more and more international stars arrive in the States, they will also miss crucial league matches because MLS doesn’t align with FIFA’s schedule.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy): Did not play in 2-0 defeat to the Kansas City Wizards due to his ruptured Achilles tendon.
There are no new reports on how Becks is recuperating from his injury, but some interesting quotes from England manager Fabio Capello could be worrying for Galaxy supporters.
The News of the World quoted the Italian as saying, “First Beckham has to be playing again, but the door is always open [about a return to the English National Team]. We’re monitoring all the players.”
Although most fans would love a player of theirs to appear internationally, those in LA just want Beckham to focus on his club team for once.
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-0 defeat against the Kansas City Wizards
Positioned just behind the forwards, Donovan was asked by Bruce Arena to act as the central playmaker for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The USMNT star’s usual bursting runs were replaced by some threaded passes that should have resulted in goals. Twice Chris Birchall had golden opportunities parried away by Jimmy Nielsen and Tristan Bowen stubbed one second half chance created by Donovan. Still, there’s a thought that pervades around the league that the star hasn’t regained his motivation from before the World Cup break.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls): Started, played seventy-two minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes
New York’s captain has also had some recent finishing problems that were highlighted by a missed sitter this weekend. After Henry’s backheeled flick rebounded to his feet, Angel struck the post with the opening goal waiting in front of him. The Colombian has played well otherwise as of late, looking re-energized like most Red Bulls with the arrival of Marquez and Henry.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls): Started, played eighty-eight minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes, scored his first Red Bull goal in the 63rd minute
Henry reiterated the sentiment of his manager. Although he was positive about the night, he still thinks that New York can improve.
“I think it can get way better,” said Henry. Juan could’ve scoring tonight, I could’ve score a couple more, and San Jose could’ve score. As I said, I’m still not fully fit, Rafa also. They way we played against Toronto, the way we played tonight, I’m talking about the way we’re passing the ball and keeping the ball I think can only be great for the future.”
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls): Started, played ninety minutes in 2-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes
Rafa’s greatest contributions came in the simplicity of his play, but Marquez also showcased the flair that could make him a fan favorite. One particular moment stood out as successive cuts caused both Bobby Convey and Cornell Glen to hop in the air to block nonexistent crosses before the midfielder delivered a dangerous, chipped ball to the back post.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes): Started on the bench, came in at the 55th minute in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls
The Brazilian was largely invisible during his substitute appearance except for serving in one dangerous cross and having a freekick deflected. Like with most DPs, San Jose manager Frank Yallop spoke leading up to the match on how Geo needed time to regain fitness. The recent performances of the Designated Players on the opposing team illustrated this point as Titi and Rafa have begun to flourish.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders): Started, played 73 minutes in 2-0 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League – Started, subbed out in stoppage time in 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire
Like most of the Sounders, Fernandez seemed out of sync during the disappointing CCL loss to Monterrey. The impressive rhythm and conviction in his combination play was nonexistent in his far too frequent turnovers. Against Chicago, Fernandez’s play was slightly better, but still not of the same quality of past weeks.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders): Started, played 45 minutes in 2-0 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League – Started, played 82 minutes in 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire, received yellow card in the 43rd minute for unsporting behavior
While much was made of Henry’s goalless drought to open MLS play, Nkufo’s inability to score has received much less coverage. The Swiss striker provides a quality outlet for the Sounders and links well, but at some point Seattle needs their DP forward to begin scoring.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC): Started, played ninety minutes in 1-0 defeat to Aarabe Unido of panama in the CONCACAF Champions League - Started, played ninety minutes in scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake
Losing in Panama and only getting a point at home, the week was a disappointing one for Toronto FC. De Guzman though was arguably the club’s best field player in both matches as his defensive presence in the midfield allowed the club’s attack to push forward.
Mista (Toronto FC): Did not play in 1-0 defeat to Arabe Unido of Panama in the CONCACAF Champions League because of a coach’s decision - Started, played ninety minutes in scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake
Mista’s performances matter little compared to him actually making an appearance. The reported rift between the Spanish striker and his headstrong manager Preki was somewhat alleviated by his ninety minutes over the weekend. Preki’s decision to rest his DP in the midweek appears likely to have more to do with the decision to focus on the league rather than any disagreements.
Omar Bravo (Kansas City Wizards in 2011):
Although Bravo isn’t in MLS just yet, we’ll still have sporadic updates on how the Mexican striker is doing. He wasn’t able to score in Chivas nil-nil draw with Pumas over the weekend, but his current team will be traveling to the West Coast for friendlies against Chivas USA in San Diego and the Seattle Sounders this autumn.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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