First Impressions - NYRB 0 : 0 DC United

In the first meeting between DC United and the Red Bulls in New York, I wrote that it looked like DC had more experience on the turf than the Red Bulls did. That was not the case today. United was clearly having problems with controlling the ball on the turf surface, and was also bedeviled by consistent interceptions.

However, NYRB was clearly a better team than the one DC has faced so far this season. Defensively, this was the most organized I have ever seen a New York team. Much of that credit may go to Bruce Arena, but it should go to Richie Williams. They played well, and were clearly at home on the surface in a way they weren't in Match 11.4.

I think some may argue that DC lacked intensity. I would disagree. DC was putting in the effort, but the execution was all off. To be honest, it looked like a preseason game, and after watching the crisp effort put forth against Real Madrid, I am a bit surprised. I don't think we can read too much into this. Perhaps DC was a bit overly cautious regarding the Red Bull tactics. When they started moving with short passes in the four minutes of stoppage, United was much better.

A draw, but not a disappointing draw, just a dull and ugly one.