New York Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch is looking to "evolve the team" after the first two rounds of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and upcoming Homegrown Players signings, he said on Friday.
New York selected two players in the SuperDraft: Zeiko Lewis and Ethan Kutler.
On Zieko, Marsch said they were "very fortunate" to get him at No. 17 in the draft, as they had him in their top 10 players available.
"I’ve watched him play at Boston College a few times this year and the word was he had a very good combine so we think he fits the way we play. He’s very aggressive, he can run, he’s quick, crafty on the ball and he can play multiple positions," Marsch said. "I think he can play underneath, or he can play wide in either spot so I think he has potential to fit in really well."
In the second round, with the Kutler pick, Marsch said they may look at what he can offer the team at the right back position, despite being marked as a midfielder and forward in draft descriptions.
"Another guy who is versatile, athletic, can run, scored a lot of goals this year in college, can play forward, can play in the wide spots," Marsch said. "Another guy that we think brings versatility and athleticism."
Marsch said that the team is aware of their defensive needs, but between the draft (New York has one pick in Round 3 on Tuesday) and some upcoming Homegrown Player signings, the Red Bulls think they're set.
"We’ve got a few other moves to make out there to bolster our back line, we think some of our young guys are ready to step up so when we went through it again and we’re looking at all the different needs, you’re always trying to balance positional need with the best players available," Marsch said. "So, in the end, I think we came away with two good players and we have high hopes that they’ll be able to fit into what we do."
Marsch said the team will look to the academy's "embarrassment of riches" and will "use all the resources and complete our club out in a way that for years to come we can have success."
