Jesse Marsch and the New York Red Bulls will battle to keep their season alive on Sunday in Toronto.
Needing at least two-goal victory to advance, among other scenarios, the team knows they will have to come out swinging to beat one of the best teams in MLS history.
"No one wants the season to end, that’s what I think is most poignant is that everybody feels like it’s a great group," Marsch said following training on Friday. "They love being together, even after 10 or 11 months, there’s no fatigue in terms of camaraderie for the group. We’re going to have to use that to make sure we continue to push in the toughest moments when we’re in Toronto.”
Captain Sacha Kljestan said the team is ready to push from the start, both on keeping Toronto off the board and trying to score early.
"Obviously, I think if we can go into halftime with a lead, that would be huge for us to put the pressure on them the second half," Kljestan said. "An early goal for us obviously would be a dream start, but things change quickly in these playoff games, and crazy things happen, so we’ve got to be ready to adjust minute-by-minute.”
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Goalkeeper Luis Robles said the team's gameplan and approach to the game is simple and understood.
"We know exactly what we have to do," Robles said. "Because of that, the clarity has allowed us to be confident.”
Leg Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals kicks off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 from BMO Field.
