Schwartz: Red Bulls Down But Not Out

By Peter Schwartz
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It was a feeling that the Red Bulls had not experienced -- in neither MLS nor CONCACAF Champions League play -- in quite some time.

Not since a 2-0 setback to NYCFC on July 3 had the Red Bulls tasted defeat, but their 20-game unbeaten streak, including the final 16 matches of the MLS regular season, came to a crushing end with Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Montreal Impact in Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

A rocket from Matteo Mancosu in the 61st minute got past Luis Robles, and the Red Bulls left Stade Saputo in Montreal trailing the aggregate series heading into Leg 2 next Sunday at Red Bull Arena.

"In certain areas, I think our team played well and was organized," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch said. "Then it was basically one play that cost us, even though we had what I thought was a good control of the match. Even though we had some really good advantages, we couldn't convert any of them."

The fact that the Red Bulls had numerous golden scoring chances bodes well for them heading home for the second leg. Whether it was Felipe's free kick off the crossbar in the 52nd minute, Sacha Kljestan's shot from 6 yards out in the 67th minute or Bradley Wright-Phillips shooting wide right of the net from inside the 6-yard box in stoppage time, the Red Bulls had their opportunities. They just couldn't find the back of the net.

"I think we were a bit unlucky," Felipe said. "We could have finished (with) at least one goal, but we didn't. Now we got to work very hard during the week to make sure next game at the arena we can score two goals."

Despite the loss in Leg 1, the Red Bulls still have to feel pretty confident about their chances to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They will take the pitch next Sunday for the second leg at Red Bull Arena, where they had an MLS-best home record of 13-2-2 this season and are 27-5-4 over the last two years under Marsch in the regular season and playoffs.

The Red Bulls also notched two victories over Montreal at Red Bull Arena during the regular season (3-1 and 1-0).

"Given everything, I think we put a lot into it, and we know it's only halftime, and there's a lot more to go in this series," said Marsch. "We'll be excited to go back home."

It's going to be fascinating to see how this plays out.

In last year's Eastern Conference finals, the Red Bulls dropped the first leg 2-0 in Columbus and needed to at least match that in Leg 2 to force extra time. They got a late goal from Wright-Phillips, who almost tied the series in the final seconds, but hit the post. This scenario is a bit different as they only have to match the Impact 1-0 to force extra time.

However, things can get more difficult for the Red Bulls should the Impact score a goal because away goals are the tie-breaker if the aggregate score is even. The Impact could try to push for that away tally early, but if Leg 2 is scoreless in the second half, Montreal might clamp down and play for the draw and the series win.

The Red Bulls' attacking style could make this a very entertaining Leg 2, but New York will also have to be very careful.

"Now we got to turn our attention going home where we've done very well this year," Robles said. "We're going to be very mindful going into the next game that we are down and really can't concede an away goal."

If that should happen, the Red Bulls would have to score at least three goals to advance. The Red Bulls need a 1-0 win in Leg 2 to force extra time or any victory by two goals to advance. Any one-goal win with Montreal scoring would end the Red Bulls' season.

While there still must be a sense of urgency for the Red Bulls, playing in the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena generally brings out the best in this team.

The Red Bulls certainly had their chances to score in Leg 1, and one would think that they'll get more opportunities next Sunday. This time, they have to bury them. Otherwise, the offseason will begin a lot earlier than expected.

Don't forget to follow Pete on Twitter at @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow @NewYorkRedBulls.