The Red Bulls dealt for Sebastien Le Toux Friday largely to shake up their lineup and style, and he scored in his debut. But any hope of quick chemistry melted away in the sweltering heat yesterday, and being held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Seattle at Red Bull Arena left the home team with just a single win in their last seven games, and on the brink of another summer swoon.
Le Toux, acquired for stalwart Dane Richards, started up front alongside Kenny Cooper with Thierry Henry dropped into the midfield atop a diamond. Overrun early, the Red Bulls fell behind before Henry went to coach Hans Backe and suggested a tactical switch that likely salvaged a point.
After switching back to a flat 4-4-2 with Henry up front and Le Toux wide right, they stormed back to lead on goals by Le Toux and Joel Lindpere. But it was short-lived, as they dominated the second half — with a 10-4 edge in shots and 59.5-percent possession — but gave up Fredy Montero’s 67th-minute equalizer and were consigned to settle for a disappointing point.
“The lack of rhythm was the lack of possibility to breathe at times,” said Henry, playing just his third game in two months. “You’ve got to move and repeat runs, that’s it, and it wasn’t easy.
“It was hot, difficult to play, no pace in the game, it was sloppy — on both sides. The second half was a bit boring … we didn’t keep on putting pressure, then the only opportunity they had [they scored]. But overall that game smelled like a tie from the start. It was a weird one.’’
The Red Bulls (9-5-5, 32 pts) are alone in third in the East, their five-game winning streak a distant memory. It was an inauspicious start for a three-game homestand, with a 1 p.m. game Wednesday against Chicago and a 2:30 p.m. game Saturday vs. Philadelphia.
“It went pretty fast since two days ago,” Le Toux said. “I’m really happy to score my first goal in a new uniform, just disappointed we didn’t win. We have to continue on Wednesday and get a win against Chicago.
“I’m living my dream. I’m really glad to be in New York. ,’’ added Le Toux, who broke into MLS with Seattle and made the MLS Best XI with Philadelphia before moving to Vancouver this offseason. “I was young and I used to watch [Henry] in the World Cup ’98, scoring goals and being the superstar he is. It’s just great, and some of my friends were jealous.’’
Veteran goalkeeper Bill Gaudette was also acquired Friday, and the St. John’s grad got the start in his homecoming for injured Ryan Meara.
“It was hot. Two-two is a decent result. Obviously at home you’d like to get more points being up 2-1, but with the conditions and Seattle being a tough team 2-2 is a decent result,’’ said Gaudette. “It’s always good when you get a point. Obviously three’s better than one, but we’ll take the one.”