Missing Thierry Henry and facing a strong FC Dallas side on the road, the New York Red Bulls didn't look like a good bet to get the three points they needed to pump some sorely-needed life into their fading playoff hopes.
No, the Red Bulls didn't have their star goal-scorer, or three fourths of their starting defense, but the team that hadn't won since July found a way to win anyway, as a Luke Rodgers goal and standout performance from Frank Rost helped New York post a sorely-needed 1-0 victory over FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park.
The victory, New York's first since July 6th, helped propel the Red Bulls past D.C. United and Portland into the 10th and final MLS playoff spot.
The Red Bulls scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute when defender Stephen Keel sent a long pass to a streaking Juan Agudelo down the right flank. Agudelo laid off a perfect pass to an on-running Rodgers, who beat Dallas defender George John to the back post for his 7th goal of the season.
Rost made the goal stand up, making three vital saves for the shutout.
FC Dallas was also missing key players, namely star wingers Brek Shea and Marvin Chavez, but the home team was still expected to pick apart the struggling Red Bulls. New York came out inspired though, putting pressure on the Dallas defense early.
Dallas had more possession (almost a 60/40 edge), and out-shot the Red Bulls 19-6, but clearly missed the Shea and Chavez and the speed, service and goal-scoring ability they provide.
Rost was up to the task, turning in the type of strong effort expected of him when he was signed as the first Designated Player goalkeeper in MLS history. The German giant stopped a handful of dangerous Dallas efforts, and was dominant in the air.
The make-shift Red Bulls defense did well, with Chris Albright at right back, Keel partnering with Tim Ream in central defense and Carlos Mendes playing left back for the first time in five years. Ream enjoyed one of his best performances in recent months, breaking up countless Dallas sequences.
The night was a somber one for FC Dallas, which honored former player Bobby Rhine, who passed away recently. Pre-game and half-time ceremonies honored Rhine, and Red Bulls midfielder and former FC Dallas player Dax McCarty revealed a shirt honoring Rhine after the match.
The Red Bulls won't have much time to celebrate their sorely-needed victory. Not with a mid-week tilt against red-hot Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. FC Dallas will return to action on Wednesday in an important CONCACAF Champions League clash against UNAM Pumas.
