Red Bulls are absolutely tied up in knots

Photo by Jim Hague/ Red Bulls midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy looks for space from two Chicago Fire defenders during Saturday’s 2-2 tie, the team’s 13th deadlock this season.

 

By Jim Hague

HARRISON –
Was the New York Red Bulls’ 2-2 tie last Saturday night with the Chicago Fire, the team’s 13th deadlock in 25 matches this season, good for the team or bad? It depends on who you are talking to.
In the eyes of head coach Hans Backe, it was a good tie.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” Backe said. “Compared to what we’ve had the last two months, I’m pleased that we had great attitude and spirit for 90 minutes. We should win a game with as many chances we had, but I’m happy with the performance.”
Even though the deadlock came against a Chicago team that had won twice all season, Backe was pleased. Even though his team has now more ties than wins and losses combined (an absurd seasonal mark of 6-6-13) and more ties than your father ever received on Fathers’ Day, Backe was happy for some reason.

To read the full story, see this week’s issue of The Observer.

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