Red Bulls' frustration continues to grow
Loss to Galaxy latest setback in trying season for New York
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- Highlights: LA 3, NY 1
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- Red Bulls struggle in loss to Galaxy
"I think we are cursed this season," the Senegalese forward said. "That's what I think."
That seems to be the most logical explanation in what has become a morbid season for the Red Bulls. After all, no one else seems to be able to come up with any answers as to how a team that played for the MLS Cup in November could have the worst record in the league, having accrued 10 points out of 20 matches.
"This is just uncharted territory for everyone," midfielder Seth Stammler said. "No one has been on a losing team, let alone to go on this kind of run. No one is familiar or sure how to turn it around, but it's going to training every day, working hard and putting in the time. Something has got to give at some point and hopefully it's sooner than later because this is just so frustrating for everybody."
Stammler thought the Red Bulls had turned things around this week. They were well rested after three days off and finally close to a full squad at training for the first time in a long time.
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"I thought today was going to be the day we were going to turn it around and get a win, but obviously the first goal was hard to deal with and when they get up two and three, it's going to be a long night," he said.
The Red Bulls had a three-goal deficit heading into the second half after giving up three highlight-reel goals.
The first was by local boy Alecko Eskandarian, who played a ball over Albert Celades' head and took the bouncing ball off the turf and fired a full volley past Danny Cepero from 25 yards out less than three minutes into the game.
Before many in the crowd at Giants Stadium had settled into their seats, the Red Bulls were already chasing the game.
"At the start of the game, (third) minute it was a fantastic goal for LA," Celades said. "After I think we controlled the game, we did some good things, we had some chances, but after we gave up another fantastic goal to Donovan, it was difficult."
Indeed, Donovan's golazo just past the half-hour mark doubled the Galaxy's lead and Eddie Lewis' first-time attempt at the stroke of halftime made it 3-0.
"I think on three shots for LA, three goals," Celades said. "It makes it difficult to win."
The Red Bulls also created opportunities, and led in every offensive category, but one -- goals scored.
"I didn't think that was going to happen today, that we were going to start turning things around and winning some matches," Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "Again, we have to put this behind us. Watch the video and analyze what happened. And then try to improve and win the next game."
There was a sliver of hope late in the second half as Juan Pablo Angel was awarded two penalty kicks after referee Shane Moody called Omar Gonzalez for a pair of handballs. But the Red Bulls captain went 1-of-2 from the spot, his second attempt saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. The ball squirted loose and bounced off the post before the Jamaican recovered.
Angel simply smiled. It was yet another disappointing moment in a forgettable season.
"It was extremely hard to take," Angel said. "They scored three unbelievable goals. Then, it was hard for us to get back. The situation now is not the best."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
