Preseason marches on as we close in on the last few days in Florida. The team hit the pitch on a foggy Tuesday morning, as the intensity appeared to be at an all-time high.
- TICKETS: Red Bulls Home Opener vs. Toronto FC, Sunday March 6
The team has the night off ahead of a two-a-day session on Wednesday, the final practice session before a matchup with the Montreal Impact.
Tournament Day
A Hanover tradition made its way down to Central Florida as the infamous Tournament Day was held on Tuesday afternoon. So what is Tournament Day, anyway? It begins as head coach Jesse Marsch and his staff divided the team into four smaller squads, each donning a different colored bib. The sides then take part in a round-robin style tournament that pits each team into a fiercely completive battle.
In theory, the results don’t mean much; just don’t try to tell that to the guys on the pitch. Many an argument has been started as a result of the proceedings of Tournament Day, but it’s all a part of what makes this team unique. After all, it’s hard to have an off-switch to the competitive spirit that drives so many within the team. And as fierce as the rivalries may be on the pitch, the group instantly returns to the closest of friends off it. It’s all a part of what makes Tournament Day so special.
Zubar Returns to New Jersey
The Red Bulls find themselves down a defender after Ronald Zubar was sent home for precautionary reasons. The French centerback picked up a knock in New York’s 5-2 win over the Jacksonville Armada on Sunday morning, being replaced Zach Carroll in the 25th minute.
On Tuesday morning, Marsch confirmed his departure from camp.
"Ronald is back in New Jersey getting some treatment for an injury," Marsch said. "We trust our medical team to monitor his progress and we hope to have Ronald back in camp soon."
One More Friendly
The Red Bulls are heading home on Friday, but they’ll get one more chance to test themselves before they leave, this time against MLS opposition. After dispatching collegiate and NASL competition, New York will go head-to-head with an Eastern Conference rival in what should prove to be a solid test for Marsch and his men.
Thus far, the Red Bulls skipper has used the preseason friendlies to get a look at as many players as possible, often implementing a full line change after the first 45 minutes. You can likely expect more of the same on Thursday morning as tactical adjustments and personnel decisions are still being sorted out.
