RESPECT

New England Revolution coach Jay Heap says that his team will completely respect New York Red Bulls when the two teams come up against each other in the Eastern Conference Championship on Sunday. New York Red Bulls have one of the potent attacking lineups in the MLS due to the presence of players like Bradley Wright Phillips and Thierry Henry. The former Arsenal forward may have left European football a few years back, but he continues to be a dominant force. Jay Heap says that his team will be paying special attention to Henry, but that does not mean other players can be forgotten.

Jay Heap has managed to transform New England in a great way since taking over the club a few years ago. The club wanted to bring through a number of young players. After finishing in the play-offs, New England are hoping to go one step better this time around. Even though the players within the team are going to play a crucial role, Heap will also be aware that veterans like Jermaine Jones will have a major part to play in such big matches. The experience of those players could make a huge difference given that New York Red Bulls have a number of experienced heads like Henry and Tim Cahill.

“We have a lot of respect for New York. They’ve got a great balance. When I look at them now at this part of the season it’s their balance all over the field. They’ve anchored the midfield with Dax McCarty and [Eric] Alexander. Those two guys really put out a lot of fires and it allows their attacking players to play. You give Henry some freedom, you give Bradley Wright-Phillips some freedom, you give Lloyd Sam, [Peguy] Luyindula some freedom, they’re dangerous. That balance … is really in good form,” said Heap.