February 1, 2010 SOME GAIN IN SPAIN Bulls cap trip with win over Stromsgodset
Toni Kolehmainen, who is on trial with the Red Bulls, connected for the game-winning goal in the 76th minute. Red Bulls photo by Ernesto Motta
LA MANGA, SPAIN -- The Red Bulls wrapped up their match schedule at the La Manga Resort with a 2-1 win over Norwegian side, Stromsgodset IF Monday afternoon.
The Red Bulls, who ahead through an own goal and a second-half strike from Finnish trialist Toni Kolehmainen, improved to 2-0-1 during their first pre-season trip of the year.
"I thought we played well," Red Bulls assistant coach Richie Williams said. "I thought we controlled most of the game. It would have been nice to have finished a a couple of more opportunities.
"it's still early in the pre-season. Overall, it's a positive feeling for us today. We're happy with the outcome."
Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards continued his torrid form in the preseason by setting up the team’s first goal three minutes in. Richards sent in a dangerous cross that Stromsgodset’s Alexander Aas tried to clear, but he knocked it into his own net. The Jamaican International has been involved in the first three of New York’s preseason goals.
Forward Juan Pablo Angel nearly made it 2-0 in the 14th minute, when he gathered an Austin da Luz pass and blasted his shot over the crossbar. Midfielder Seth Stammler tested Stromsgodset goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey from 25 yards out and Kwarasey punched it away later in the half.
"It the first half was really good by us," Kolehmainen said. "We had the game under control. We didn't give away any chances. It's natural in the second half we got a little tired. But we still had most of the game under control."
Stromsgodset equalized in the 54th minute. Joel Riddez created space in the middle of the penalty area and slammed a shot past substitute goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who replaced Bouna Coundoul at halftime
It was coundoul's first action since the season-finale, a 5-0 triumph over Toronto FC last Oct. 24. Coundoul had been recovering from off-season surgery.
"It's a good feeling," Coundoul said. "The knee's getting better. Everything is coming along. So far the pre-season is going well."
Angel nearly gave the Red Bulls back their lead seven minutes later. After earning a free kick at the top of Stromsgodset’s penalty box, Angel curled his shot around the wall. However, Kwarasey, who went to full extension, parried the attempt away. In the 69th minute, Marcus Pedersen got his head on a Stromsgodset corner and Sutton made the save.
The Red Bulls tallied the eventual game-winner in the 76th minute. A Sinisa Ubiparipovic free kick in Stromsgodset’s half was cut back into the box by Juan Agudelo, who was at the back post. Kolehmainen was able to get to it and rifled a shot into the goal’s top corner.
"Someone shouted at me to go up," Kolehaminen said. "We had enough men back. I just went there . It just dropped to my foot and I placed it in."
Moments later, Riddez’s attempt from long range was saved by Sutton. On the other end, Agudelo was given space off an Irving Garcia pass, but he poked his attempt wide. Pedersen was inches away from tying the match six minutes from full time, as his chip over Sutton from a sharp angle knocked off the back post.
"We worked on the organization of our defense," Williams said. "The defenders played well. Obviously, teams that are championship teams and win a lot have good organized defenses. We've looked pretty steady in the back and we want to continue that. Just overall, we've been organized and have been playing real well together."
The Red Bulls return to the United States Thursday. They plan to travel to Bradenton, Fla. on Feb. 15 for its second pres-eason trip before it competes in the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic on Feb. 25 and 27.
Coundoul has been impressed with the team under new coach Hans Backe.
"So far this is one of the best pre-seasons I've been to since I've been in this league," he said. "These guys so far have been doing an excellent job."
New York Red Bulls (2-0-1) – Bouna Coundoul (Greg Sutton* 46’), Toni Kolehmainen*, Mike Petke, Andrew Boyens, Danleigh Borman, Dane Richards (Irving Garcia 56’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Fernandinho* 86’), Seth Stammler (Tim Ream 46’), Austin da Luz (Ernst Oebster 46’), Juan Pablo Angel (Giorgi Chirgadze 70’), Macoumba Kandji (John Agudelo* 46’)
Stromsgodset IF – Adam Larsen Kwarasey (GK), Krister Aunan, Glenn Andersen, Alexander Aas, Joel Riddez, Komlan Amewou, Fredrik Nordkvelle, Jo Inge Berget (Jim Johansen 63’), Øyvind Storflor, Marcus Pedersen, Muhamed Keita (Mads Ryghseter 76’)
