HANOVER, N.J. – Despite conceding two goals in week one, the Red Bulls defense looked stout for the majority of their matchup with Toronto FC. But as the team gets set for yet another Canadian clash, head coach Jesse Marsch will be forced to change things up in the back.
Thursday afternoon brought about some suspension news for New York, as defender Ronald Zubar was handed a one-game ban for “serious foul play that endangered the safety of an opponent.”
The foul in question occurred in the 47th minute of the Red Bulls’ season opener at Red Bull Arena, as Zubar was issued a yellow card on the play. However, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has decided that further action needed to be taken, forcing Zubar to miss out on Saturday’s matchup with the Montreal Impact.
His absence opens the door for Montreal-native Karl Ouimette to get his first start of the 2016 season. The defender made seven starts last season, including in the team’s only trip to Montreal, and looks poised to once again return to the fold.
Back in 2012, with Marsch at the helm, Ouimette became the first Homegrown player in Montreal history to make the jump from the academy to the first team.
Now, back in his hometown, the Canadian international couldn’t help but show his excitement at the prospect of playing in front of his family and friends, with more than 200 expected to show up, clad in red.
“It’s going to be good,” Ouimette said after training on Thursday. “Family and friends will be there, and I get to play against my last team, so it will be pretty interesting.
“I’m pumped up, for sure. It’s always good to play, especially at home. Each time I go on the field, I have to give my all and prove what I can give on the field.”
Preaching depth and squad rotation all preseason long, Marsch now has his first chance to showcase just that on Saturday afternoon. And while moving from the bench to the starting XI is not always an easy task, Ouimette credits his manager’s ability to prepare each player to take their chances when they come.
“I feel like everyone on the team has the right mentality and fits into the club,” Ouimette added. “When a player has to step out, another one steps in and is ready to do the job. Jesse prepares us so that when we have that chance, we do well and we’re on the same page.”
Signing with the club ahead of the 2015 season, a spot-start is hardly a new role for Ouimette. And as Zubar is forced to miss out, there is little concern that there will be any sort of drop-off in quality in New York’s defensive core.
“As has been the case all of last year, Karl is a guy that we trust and believe in,” Marsch said. “When he’s called upon, he understands what his responsibilities are and how to commit to them.
“I know Karl will be ready for that big moment.”
