The New York Red Bulls rolled to a seven-goal victory on Saturday, but Head Coach Jesse Marsch wasn't looking to the scoresheet to evaluate the way the team played.
"We put out three teams that never have played together, that in many ways are just getting to know each other, but it looked like us, and that’s always a key," Marsch said. "I think we want to make sure that there’s clarity on the field and commitment to do the things that make us good, and make us us."
Marsch rolled out three completely different lineups in each session of the three-session, 30 minute games.
"Trying to integrate some of the new players and young players into how we do things and often the best way to do that is to put guys that are a little more clear with them, and they can help in the process," he said. "Overall, I give everybody a lot of credit, because I think the guys that have been around had a real positive attitude, and helped guys deal with what the game required. A lot of the new guys, I thought showed a propensity to understand what we are doing, so those are really big positives."
With two goals in the opening session, one goal in the middle session and four in the final session, communication and talking on the pitch was key for each team.
"I think, in general, we always try to challenge guys that have been around to take big leadership roles," Marsch said. "We’re seeing that more, I think guys are understanding the demand more. I thought guys like Sean Davis, Alex Muyl and Derrick Etienne, Jr. really showed a lot of personality on the field, so that’s great to see, and overall the group is pretty fit and pretty prepared for preseason."
The head coach said that the players need to use this not as a moment to feel good about what they accomplished, but rather to feel hungry to continue to do more.
"Well, the thing I said to them is it should give them hunger, hunger to do more. Not complacency to feel like 'We’re there,' but hunger to continue to drive and push every day so that we take this positive and continue to build on it," Marsch said. "I know enough of these men to know that’s how they’re built, but it doesn’t hurt to give little reminders."
The Red Bulls return to training on Monday, with another preseason matchup on Wednesday, against the New England Revolution.
"We’re moving this thing in the right direction," Marsch said.
