Soccer has a tendency to see old faces reappear in new places. Sometimes former players come to visit and it breaks my heart. And sometimes the enemy you broke your heart with comes back for a different outcome.
On Wednesday, Brandon Vazquez returned and reminded us of his talent and what he's missing in the stadium. But on Sunday, former Red Bull manager Troy LeCene will be appointed, likely ending his first MLS managerial job.
The situation ended with the FCC eliminating the New York Red Bulls from the 2023 MLS Playoffs, but interim manager Troy LeCene received a red card and watched his young team fail to complete the game. His future with the club was on the brink. work.
There were initially rumors that he would stay, but he was forced out after the club decided to revamp its front office. That left him in a tough spot, looking for other opportunities, and eventually becoming the new manager of Sunday's opponent, D.C. United, after they revamped their front office.
Although he is no longer approached by the Red Bull organization insisting he crank up his pressing style to 11, his DC United team still shares many of the same principles. They are an attacking team who want to put pressure on their opponents, force turnovers and create easy chances close to the goal.
And his return early in the season has been a huge success. Star striker Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick in the season opener, and young star Theodore Cu-DiPietro equalized in Portland with a come-from-behind goal after Benteke withdrew with an injury before the game. Due to injury, Benteke's ability to play is in doubt.
Overall, it would be hard to be disappointed with the start to the season, but if there's one area to worry about it would be defense. Their outside backs Pedro Santos and Aaron Herrera are both offensive forces, but there were moments when their defense was shaky. The center back duo is also not at its best, with long-time mainstay Steve Birnbaum, who was expected to lead the line, missing due to a knee injury. Even veteran MLS goalkeeper Alex Bono has shown his fragility, falling short of his expected saves in the first two games.
Perhaps this will be an encouragement for the FCC attack, which squandered its chance. In midweek, they will play against CF Monterrey. However, with attention split between the league and the Concacaf Champions Cup, it seems equally likely that teams will be rotated on Sunday. And while we may not have full confidence in their results yet, it seems like a good opportunity for the newcomers to make a big impression.
when: Sunday, March 10th, 3:00 p.m.
where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
How to watch: Link to sign up for MLS Season Pass on AppleTV and support CST