Expected discourse reigns in the aftermath of the New York Red Bulls’ dismal 2-0 loss to FC Cincinnati and subsequent crash out of the MLS is Back Tournament and claims of “worst match in club history” abound. While defeat and a trip home was not the expected outcome, perhaps it should have been in light of struggles to deal with the tried and true bunker-and-counter. It’s a familiar foul stench for fans and media, but practiced noses source the odor from years of experience. For evidence of the tactic’s continued success against both high press and stubborn one-plan managers alike, return to 2014 in the long, long ago before time of the Mike Petke tenure.
This isn’t the worst loss in club history, but it’s familiar
