Matt Kremkau - Empire of Soccer

by RUSS McKENZIE

Harrison, NJ – In a match that had a little bit of everything, the Red Bulls find themselves with more than they wanted.

New York suffered three crushing injury setbacks to three key starters during their dramatic 4-3 victory over the Dynamo.

Freshly off of injury, Gonzalo Veron crumbled to the pitch in the 31′ minute of Saturday’s match vs the Houston Dynamo. The highly touted forward had assisted on the first goal of the match, putting the Red Bulls up 1-0. It was a play that opened the Red Bulls account for 2016, after 200+ minutes of scoreless soccer.

Next to fall was newcomer Gideon Baah, who came up limping, cutching his upper leg as he tracked a ball into the defensive half in the 44′. Baah left the match in tears, being consoled on the way to the tunnel by coach Jesse Marsch.

Finally, Ronald Zubar, who’s defensive misfire allowed Houston’s Will Bruin to put the Dynamo up 2-1, went to ground holding his leg.

EoS has learned that both Baah and Zubar have confirmed hamstring injuries. For Zubar, this injury echoes the malady that saw him miss significant time in 2015, opening up an opportunity for Matt Miazga to shine. Baah, meanwhile, has enjoyed a respectable start to his Red Bulls career. His loss will leave the club thin at the position, with Karl Ouimette and Zach Carroll the lone healthy centerbacks remaining.

For Veron, however, it’s not as clear cut. He is suspected of suffering a hamstring injury, but that is unconfirmed, with one source calling it “a leg” injury. However, it is worth noting that MSG sideline reporter Tina Cervasio revealed a conversation between Veron and Marsch at halftime where the coach asked his star striker if this hamstring injury was as bad as the last. The Argentine playmaker nodded no.

With both of his choice centerbacks potentially missing significant time, Marsch will likely turn to MLS SuperDraft picks Justin Bilyeu and Zach Carrol for depth on the backline.