We are basing this entire supposed Marquez-Backe rift on an incident supposedly witnessed by Kyle Martino with no corroboration. I am not saying he is lying, but isn’t it quite possible that he was mistaken in what he saw or how he perceived what he saw?? Marquez has played well of late, especially in the closing game at Philly.

Titi is a smart guy, and I am sure he knows his body better than anyone. I think he was operating below capacity to conserve for tomorrow night. Especially considering he may need to play well beyond 90 minutes.

The Cooper situation is reminiscent of the Agudelo saga. Backe’s continued reluctance to name him a permanent starter indicates to me that there are issues in training (and with how he plays in games) that Backe considers worrisome enough to start Le Toux (who hasn’t really settled in it must be said). Cooper has scored many goals, for sure. But there are aspects of his game that are really lacking.

I hope the Red Bulls win this in a big way, 3-0 say. And I hope to be there (though with trains down and an inbound nor’easter, it isn’t looking good). Hans Backe is a good manager. Titi is a legend. A win tomorrow night in convincing fashion should go a long way towards silencing the Leanders and Grant Wahls of the world.