New York Red Bulls: Chris Armas abandoned principles at wrong time

Chris Armas changed the way his New York Red Bulls play in a 3-0 defeat to Atlanta United in the first leg of the Eastern Conference finals. He abandoned his principles at just the wrong time.

As soon as the team sheet was announced, it was clear that this game was going to be very different from the previous four. Atlanta United, prior to Sunday’s Eastern Conference Championship shellacking, had never beaten the New York Red Bulls. How they put an end to that.

Kemar Lawrence was unavailable for selection. Connor Lade would start at left-back in his place. In New York’s high-pressing scheme, there is a great stress thrown on the fullbacks. They have to defend a whole lot of space. Lade, while…