Posted on June 29, 2012
By Kristian R. Dyer
TropiGol.com Contributing Editor
UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. – In a match that seemed to be tailored exactly for his skill set, Dane Richards instead had to sit on the sidelines and watch the Red Bulls’ offensive output in a 3-2 win over D.C. United.
The pacey Red Bulls winger was forced to sit out Sunday night’s derby match due to yellow card accumulation but he is expected to be back in the Starting XI this Saturday at Toronto. Richards looked on as the Red Bulls offense was precise in its movement and clinical in finishing.
A Brandon Barklage brace paced New York to the derby win.
“It was unbelievable watching from the side, just unbelievable. We went down but we didn’t look back, we just kept going at them. Brandon Barklage and the set plays – he got two goals,” Richards said.
“It was unbelievable. We’re moving really well off the ball, that was a key to our comeback.”
After falling behind on a Chris Pontius opening salvo in the game’s first minute, the Red Bulls responded with three straight goals in what amounted to a clinic on how to play offense. In the first half, the Red Bulls held a staggering 62 percent possession.
It would have been the ideal game for the Jamaican international to find his groove. One season after setting a personal MLS best with seven goals, Richards has only a goal and an assist so far this season.
Despite the dip in production, coach Hans Backe will welcome Richards back to the lineup against Toronto.
“You got another dimension, you get the pace which you need in this league, one guy who can be a runner or a late runner in your attacking game but Dane is also hard working guy,” Backe said.
“I think the balance in midfield will be better when you have that kind of pace in midfield.”
For Richards, Saturday night north of the border will be real simple, especially after missing this past weekend’s game.
“I wanted to be a part of it. silly yellow cards made me sit out, I wanted to be a part of it especially the last 15 minutes when they were coming at us so they could open up behind with me,” he said.
“I just want to get in the game and be dangerous. Just try to put the defense on their heels, turning and facing their goal.”
Photo: Dane Richards hopes to get the starting nod vs. Toronto on Saturday. Scott Bales/YCJ
Categories: Caribbean, Jamaica
Tags: Dane Richards, Hans Backe, Major League Soccer, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC
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