ChampionsGate, Fla. – Preseason has always been a chance for unproven commodities to make their mark within a new team, and New York’s current stay in Florida is no exception. But for SuperDraft selections Justin Bilyeu and Zach Carroll, the challenge is different from just about every other player in camp.
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Sure, there are plenty of other rookies who are getting their first reps with the first team in Orlando. But for Bilyeu and Carroll, the only players in camp who have had no prior ties with the Red Bull organization, there is another element added into the equation. Whereas each of the homegrowns has come up through the system in some capacity, it’s an entirely new journey for the pair of 2016 SuperDraft picks.
But if you ask head coach Jesse Marsch, the duo has adjusted quite admirably over the past few weeks.
“Those two—for having never been around this before—have adjusted pretty well,” he said. “If you were to come here and try to pick out guys that hadn’t been here before, I don’t think those guys would be high on the list. That says a lot about how they’ve done so far.”
Unlike their homegrown counterparts, there’s another added layer of urgency amongst Bilyeu and Carroll. Being selected in the draft has earned them a chance to prove themselves amongst the rest of the newcomers, but in what capacity? That is what remains to be seen.
The pressure can come to define players in moments like these, but it can also serve as a stark reminder that nothing is guaranteed in this business.
“There’s definitely more of a step that [Justin and I] have to take to gain respect,” Carroll admitted. “The coaches aren’t familiar with us whereas they’ve been watching some of the other young guys come up through the academy. There’s a bigger step there, but it’s all about coming in and rising to the occasion.”
Carroll, a First Team All-Big Ten selection during his time at Michigan State University, has been working to adjust to the demanding style of play just as every other rookie has done throughout preseason. The 6-foot-3-inch central defender conceded that the speed of play and physicality has required a bit of an adjustment, but the Red Bulls skipper has been pleased with the growth he has seen over the course of preseason camp.
“Zach has been very alert,” Marsch added. “He understands how we want the centerback position to be played. He’s a smart guy, strong in the air, good feet. Overall, I think his adjustment has gone really well.”
As for Bilyeu, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville product has been one of the early standouts from Red Bulls training in Orlando. The jump from the college level to competing against some of the top talents in MLS has admittedly been an eye-opening experience for the 22-year-old, but his willingness has learn on the fly has proved to be an invaluable asset for his development.
“It’s been great,” said Bilyeu. “It’s definitely been a learning experience. I’m finally getting used to the guys and the way they play. The pressing style is not something we’re used to, but it’s a great style and we’re learning it.”
A left back by trade, the St. Louis native has made his presence felt both on the training pitch and in New York’s scrimmages in January, with Marsch particularly keen on the young defender.
“Justin has a real ease and savvy to the way he plays,” he explained. “He’s gifted with his left foot, he’s a very good passer, and we’ve tried to get him to adjust to the speed of play that we have here. So far I think he’s done quite well. Every game he’s been in the team he’s done well; he’s been a threat going forward and defensively he’s done a good job. I’d say it’s been a very good start for him.
“Both Justin and Zach have impressed. The things that we watched and knew about them have held true. We’re pleased with both of them.”
The hard work appears to be paying early dividends as both Carroll and Bilyeu earned glowing reviews from coaches and teammates alike. And while their futures may be somewhat uncertain, there is no denying the impact they have both had within this young squad.
“The best thing about what we’re doing here is that we have a lot of different opportunities,” Marsch continued. “We can slot players in based on where we think their development is right now. Whether it’s USL or it’s first team, there’s a lot here that we can provide.”
