Backe

In addition, fellow starter Brandon Backe is recovering from rotator cuff surgery.

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Brandon Backe is also coming back from an elbow injury and outdueled Ben Sheets on Sunday while both were making rehab starts in Triple-A.

USATODAY.com - Look for second-half clues in first half 2006

Although Backe is a serviceable No. 4, he won't scare anybody.

USATODAY.com - Series view from the old and new schools of thought 2005

Coach Hans Backe expected the competition for playoff spots to be this tight.

Red Bulls Shocked to Be in Dire Spot Joshua Robinson 2011

"It's been a rough season," coach Hans Backe said after the game.

Even These Guys Can Win The MLS Championship Joshua Robinson 2011

"We said for this game it has to be a quite direct game," Backe said.

Even These Guys Can Win The MLS Championship Joshua Robinson 2011

The playoffs' unpredictable nature isn't news to Backe, who continually stresses how even the league is.

Even These Guys Can Win The MLS Championship Joshua Robinson 2011

Now as the team tries to put itself in order for next year, Backe admitted that perhaps he was naive to think that the Red Bulls could be successful trying to play elegant, possession-minded soccer.

Red Bulls Coach Calls Season His 'Messiest' 2011

"It's like you're going into a World Cup or something when you play that many games," Backe said.

Even These Guys Can Win The MLS Championship Joshua Robinson 2011

In general, Backe prefers when his team plays a more fluid, attractive brand of soccer.

Even These Guys Can Win The MLS Championship Joshua Robinson 2011