HANOVER, N.J. – The season may have started in losing fashion, but the New York Red Bulls are still feeling confident as they head north of the border for a clash with the Montreal Impact.
During Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Toronto FC, the Red Bulls controlled the flow of play, dominating possession while denying service to Sebastian Giovinco for the majority of the match.
Of course, it wasn’t enough to get the result, as the Reds broke through for two late goals to steal three points on the road.
Still, the Red Bulls insist they aren’t discouraged by the result, as there were plenty of positives to take away from the match.
“I thought we played fairly well,” captain Dax McCarty said after training. “It wasn’t that surprising what Toronto did and the way that they tried to play, but they played their game plan and did what they wanted to do a lot better than we did. On the day, we weren’t sharp and that’s ultimately what cost us.”
Just one game into the season, there is still plenty of time to turn things around, and the Red Bulls will remain confident in their system. It may not have gone according to plan, but according to Marsch, the misstep came from a lack of sharpness, not a tactical mistake.
“It’s more about executing the game plan specifically, and for the entirety of the game,” he said. “In the end, we let a few little plays slip away from us, and that’s what cost us the game. No concern, other than that’s where we are right now. We just have to keep pushing to get better and better.”
The focus now shifts to Montreal; a side that is coming off an impressive road win to start the season. The Impact may be without star striker Didier Drogba, but the Red Bulls are wary of the attacking talent they still possess.
“There are a lot of talented players on that team,” said Montreal native Karl Ouimette. “We just have to be careful and concentrate all game - because these guys can create some magic on the field. We’re going to apply our system and focus on our plan.”
In past meetings, Montreal’s speedy forward Dominc Oduro has caused problems for New York with his ability to stretch the defense. However, the Red Bulls will also have to deal with Ignacio “Nacho” Piatti, who enjoyed a stellar season-opening performance on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps, notching two goals and an assist on the night.
“I played with him, he’s a good guy,” Ouimette said of Piatti. “On the field he’s something special. Especially around the box, we have to be careful with him. We just have to keep an eye on him, get physical and be tuned in so we don’t give him opportunities.”
Marsch, who got his head coaching start with the Impact in 2012, is keenly aware of Montreal’s danger-men, but is confident in his side’s ability to put forth another strong defensive showing.
“We know them pretty well,” he stated. “Obviously, Oduro gives your backline trouble and makes the margin of error small. With his speed, if it’s close, he’ll usually win those footraces. Piatti is just clever and tricky; he’s not easy to deal with. We’ll know how to scout them and deal with them, but it’s not easy. In the end, it’s down to execution and making a couple of plays on our end.”
