All good things must come to an end.
With their 2-1 loss in Utah last night, both New York’s winning and shutout streaks were halted despite taking the early lead.
The focus now shifts to Columbus, as another quick turnaround will force the Red Bulls to recharge rather quickly.
Here are my three takeaways from a tough result at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Required Rotation
Ahead of the match, head coach Jesse Marsch lamented a congested schedule that would see his team play a demanding set of matches, all on the road.
“It's a really hard week,” he said after Sunday’s match. “Especially now with travel between Salt Lake and Columbus; it's the worst combination of Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday you could possibly have. Not happy about it, but we have to suck it up and figure out a way to put a team out on Wednesday to go after the game.”
Unsurprisingly, Marsch employed heavy rotation in his starting XI as seven new faces entered the fold.
Rookie Justin Bilyeu made his first MLS start, while Sean Davis, Alex Muyl, Gonazlo Veron and Anatole Abang all got the nod. New York’s backline was somewhat familiar, mimicking the same back four that took on the Rochester Rhinos in US Open Cup play.
The result went south with just minutes to go, but Marsch was still pleased with the overall effort from his squad.
"I'm really happy with how the guys played and they threw a lot at it,” he said after the match. “It was a short turnaround and we put a lot of newer guys on the field and I thought a lot of them had good games. So in the end, we give up the goal and it's a dicey game and we're trying to hang on. Then that deflection goal is a little bit unlucky.
“All in all, I'm really happy with the overall effort and really disappointed for them that we didn't get the result because I think for them they put a lot in to it and it would have been nice to reward them."
Trial By Fire
As a result of the squad rotation, plenty of fresh faces were asked to get the job done on Wednesday night.
The conditions weren’t exactly favorable, but the young Bulls fought valiantly amidst difficult circumstances.
“When we looked at the schedule, we knew we have to rotate players because we’ve got multiple double-game weeks,” goalkeeper Luis Robles said. “For the most part, we had it under control and that’s a credit to [our young guys] and how hard they worked. The elements were difficult with the altitude and the heat so the last 20 minutes or so, they’re able to sneak in and get a deflection.”
Starting at left back in place of Connor Lade, Bilyeu more than held his own, impressing many within the squad.
“He’s done well and he continues to improve as a player; that’s all we can ask for,” Robles added. “Every single day, he comes out to the training field and gets better. He’s committed, he’s gotten a better understanding of our tactics, and that allows him to be in better positions. Overall, I thought he did well considering the circumstances against a very good opponent. I’m excited for his future and he’ll be a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish going forward.”
Despite dropping the result, the chance to earn meaningful minutes on the road will certainly serve this young side well in the future, as matches across MLS, US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play will require similar squad rotation in the coming months.
“Guys emptied the tank,” said Davis who recorded an assist on the night. “They all gave everything they possible could, so it hurts not to walk away with a point, but we’ll grow from this and move on.
“You have to applaud the young guys and their hunger; the future is really bright. These guys show up every day and work extremely hard. I’m proud of them for stepping in. On another night, maybe we walk away with some points, but a great growing experience nonetheless.”
Columbus Calling
The Red Bulls won’t have much time to reflect on their late-game loss, as another road fixture looms large.
Next up, a rematch against a Columbus Crew side that knocked New York out of the 2015 playoffs in the Eastern Conference Championship.
“We want to repay them a little bit,” defender Sal Zizzo said. “It’s always a battle when we play them. They are a good team in possession that like to put their outside backs high, keep the ball and dictate the game. We have to be prepared for that, go in and be ready to fight again.”
Despite the loss, the Red Bulls have taken solace in their gutsy performance on Wednesday night as plenty of players stepped up to the challenge. With some key players getting rest, Marsch will have a more of his preferred starting XI at his disposal come Saturday night.
“A lot of guys stepped up and did well,” he said. “This also allows us with the rotation to put a team on the field on Saturday that can go after the game.”
Added goal scorer Gideon Baah: "[We have to] stay positive, keep a positive mentality. It wasn't a bad effort at all. The elevation, the heat with everything it was a brave effort from all of us but unfortunately we lost. We just have to stay positive and keep our heads up and look up to the next game. Hopefully we will put up a great performance like this one and get a result."
