Osorio's edict produces results
Red Bulls respond well to coach's challenge
What followed has been a remarkable three-game stretch that saw the Red Bulls take full points out of home games against United, Toronto FC and the Houston Dynamo, outscoring their opposition 9-1 and have moved into a tie for fourth place with D.C. United.
First came a 4-1 comprehensive thrashing of D.C. United, followed by a 2-0 victory against Toronto FC after playing nearly the entire second half down a man. But the most impressive victory came Sunday, routing the two-time defending MLS Cup champions Houston 3-0, despite missing three starters.
"I think that's the most pleasing thing today," Osorio said. "(We had) three very important players missing and the guys who got the chance today took it with both hands and made the best out of it and contributed greatly to a great win today."
Two of the four players Osorio brought in with his midseason restructuring -- Venezuelan internationals Jorge Rojas (visa issues) and Gabriel Cichero (suspension) -- were unavailable, as were starting defender Jeff Parke and key reserve Carlos Mendes because of injury.
In stepped Diego Jimenez, the former Mexican international who made his debut as a central defender against Houston. He started alongside Andrew Boyens in a back four with Kevin Goldthwaite and Chris Leitch on the flanks.
With yet another clutch performance by defensive midfielder Juan Pietravallo, Jon Conway needed to make just four saves to earn the clean sheet against a Houston team that has outscored the opposition 12-3 during a four-match winning streak.
"I think in the back, Diego came in and stepped up and did fantastic for us so that was one part in the defense," Goldthwaite said. "In the back four, we had a makeshift lineup and the guys who came in played well. I think it was a fantastic result considering the players who were unavailable."
When he took the reins in December, Osorio said he wanted to have competition for spots for situations like he has now. That's something that's been missing in previous years.
"For the first time this year I think we can say we have depth," Mike Magee said. "We could miss a couple of guys and we're still strong and able to compete against a team like Houston."
Not just compete -- dominate. Before the game was a half-hour old, the Red Bulls were up by two goals on a header by Juan Pablo Angel and a darting run down the right flank by Dane Richards.
"Obviously, it goes without saying when you beat the champions, then you think you can compete and that's what I told the guys," Osorio said. "I believe with the effort that we showed today and with the team spirit and the way we can play futbol now, we can compete against Houston and every team in the league."
Magee made it 3-0 on the hour mark, as he was sprung on goal by a long ball by Jimenez. Magee scored his fourth goal of the year and third in consecutive matches.
"It's a lot easier," said Magee, who figures he hasn't scored in three consecutive games since he was 17. "I feel like it's becoming more easy for me to take chances and try and make passes to my teammates and not have to worry about mistakes."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
