Recap: The Red Bulls didn’t even finish .500 this season (10-11-9), but it was still the most memorable season in team history. Their late surge propelled them into the final, but they could not match CMB, so they had to settle for also-ran status. Overall though, I think they deserve a B- due to their mostly mediocre season.
Offense: The Red Bulls had a balanced attack this year and finished near the middle of the league table in goals scored. Dane Richards finally started to play with some motivation and Angel, as always, was perpetually a threat to score. They started slow, but finished with a flurry, and for that they get a B for the attack.
Defense: NYRB’s defense was pretty poor this year. They were scored on 48 times and finished tenth in the league in goals allowed. Goldthwaite and Stammler are good for the attack, but they often fail to measure up in defense. Ditto Boyens and Parke. Their poor defensive efforts earn them a C- for 2008.
Needs: Angel is the key to NYRB’s attack, and if they lose him they will almost certainly fail to qualify for the 2009 playoffs. Also, DVDB is no spring chicken, and they will probably need to replace Richards if he moves overseas, so a whole MF overhaul may be needed. NY had a good run, but it may be their last for awhile.
