Hard part of the season is over for travel-stricken New York Red Bulls—Major League Soccer News
It has been a tough two-month stretch for the Major League Soccer franchise, New York Red Bulls, who dropped from the first position to third. The travel-intensive schedule in the last 50-odd days has taken its toll of the roster. The last weekend game against
Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto, Utah was one clear example of that.
The team started its tour from Portland Timbers in June following an outing at Seattle Sounders FC two days later, then a meeting with DC United at home next week. Then they travelled back to Emerald City for a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match against the Rave
Green.
The last month was half dedicated to the league and half to the international friendlies including the two-match trip to London for the Emirates Cup. Although, the team brought the first international title to New Jersey, the travels taxed the energy off
the RBNY roster.
On the way back, the recent German signing, Frank Rost pulled his quadriceps on the flight. The goalkeeper was struggling with his leg in the Saturday game against the RSL. The head coach, Hans Backe confirmed the net minder’s status as not available for
the next match against Chicago Fire on Saturday, August 13.
However, it is not only Rost, whose is unavailable for the next match. The second goal keeper, Bouna Coundoul recently played international friendly for Senegal against Morocco. The player is yet to arrive at Red Bulls Arena. Although, the tactician told
the media that he will confirm with the player upon his arrival weather he is up to feature in weekend game, he does not want to rush things for him.
Other options in his stead are Alex Horwath and Chris Konopka, the manager confirmed but did not pick a favourite.
However, Backe’s main focus at the moment is get back to the top of the Eastern Conference table. The hardest part of the schedule is over as there are only four away games left for the Bulls. “It will be a huge difference,” Backe said. “We only have something
like four games in five weeks now.”
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