HANVOER, N.J. – Standing atop Group F, the New York Red Bulls are in prime position to move on to the knockout stages of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. A win on Thursday night would all but seal their progression.
After battling to a 1-1 draw in El Salvador, the Red Bulls will welcome Alianza FC to Red Bull Arena for the return fixture looking to secure all three points. Their matchup at Estadio Cuscatlán proved to be a difficult evening for New York, but midfielder Sean Davis is confident that things will be different in Harrison.
“We already spoke about how it would be difficult to go down to El Salvador and pick up all three points, so we know that we want to get all three points at home,” he told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “Red Bull Arena has been a fortress all year so we’re looking to build on that.
“It was a hostile environment and we hope we can replicate that at Red Bull Arena to be a really tough team to play against. I think we have the talent and depth to do so.”
Given the nature of a midweek game, there will undoubtedly be a fair bit of rotation within the squad to keep players fresh for a crucial matchup at the weekend against Toronto FC. Even still, head coach Jesse Marsch proclaimed the utmost confidence in his side’s depth.
“One of the great things about the USL team is that they play just like us,” he said. “They’re aware of everything from the mentality to the tactics, so when they come in they’re ready to go. We’ll be putting a very good team on the field.”
With four points in their pocket, another three would see the Red Bulls further separate themselves from the pack. And given New York’s lofty expectations, taking care of business at home is crucial if the Red Bulls are to move on.
“If we get the win, we have a good chance; that’s where our focus is,” defender Sal Zizzo stated. “MLS teams haven’t won this competition ever and that’s our goal as a club. The next step in doing that is to advance.”
Added Marsch: “The game plan is set for us to be successful at our place and put the game on our terms. That’ll be the challenge and I expect to see a lot of good performances.”
