Head Coach Gerhard Struber said he saw the identity of Red Bull in the squad during the first match of 2021.Â
"I think the performance was, especially in the first half against the ball, absolutely in the right way," Struber said. "We were clear in our principles, we did a good job, we created some chances, created in the second half a goal from Caden [Clark]. In the end, we missed three minutes of focus and in this three minutes Kansas used their chances, and some luck with the hand[ball] penalty."
Seventeen-year-old Clark scored the first goal of the 2021 MLS season for New York. Clark volleyed a loose ball from a corner kick to the upper 90 for the 1-0 lead in the 48th minute.Â
Kansas City tallied back-to-back goals in the 59th and 60th minute to take the lead back.
"In the end, I can see our process, this is -- for me -- important, but from the result we are very disappointed," Struber said. "We expected victory today and in the end we lose this game, this is not our standard or our expectation. In the end we are very disappointed about the result, but the performance gives us good confidence for the next time.
"The good thing is I can see a team that never gave up, we created some chances, some moments for us and in the end, a disappointing game with this result," Struber said.
Newcomers Youba Diarra, Wiki Carmona and Fábio all made their MLS debuts with Fábio and Diarra earning their first MLS starts. Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made his first start in net for the Red Bulls, recording one save on three attempts.
"I was happy with Fabio’s working ability, he works so hard, he pressed the whole time," Struber said. "When he played I think he was very reliable, and with his pressing we created chances. I think he must work more on his personal output, he has a very good chance in the second half and in the end with Fabio, very happy with his performance, his attitude on this day, this was a good first step."
New York will travel West for a nationally-televised match against LA Galaxy on Sunday, April 25.Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Dignity Health Sports Park.
"We need him to score in the end, but also it’s very important that he works for the whole team, and he gives us a very good feeling," Struber said.
