HANOVER, N.J. – Can lightning strike twice? On Wednesday night, we’ll have our answer.
Facing off against Mexican powerhouse and back-to-back reigning CONCACAF Champions League winners Club America, the New York Red Bulls will be leaning heavily on their young and upcoming players to get the job done.
After playing six games in a span of 19 days, head coach Jesse Marsch will be looking to regroup and heal up from their physically demanding road swing. Returning to MLS play on Sunday night, many first team regulars will be given the night off on Wednesday as a mix of reserves and USL regulars will get the nod in their stead.
“We won’t use any of the guys who’ve put in a lot of minutes,” head coach Jesse Marsch said after training on Tuesday. “They’ll train lightly tomorrow then have Thursday off so they can regen for the weekend. But this is a really good chance against a really good team to play some of our other guys and get them so minutes to give them a chance, in a full stadium, to go after the game.”
The script is set up in much the same mold as last year’s midsummer friendly as Premier League champions Chelsea came to town to take on a young and inexperienced Red Bulls side. Many expected the English giants to roll over New York, but the likes of Sean Davis and Tyler Adams led the Red Bulls to a shock 4-2 victory.
This time around, one of the North America’s top clubs will take center stage, offering some of New York’s younger players to step up and make their impact felt.
“I’m definitely excited,” Adams told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “We’re going up against a top Mexican team that will put us in a fast game. Playing against a team from abroad will be a good chance for some of our young guys to get some international games in, but more than anything we’re looking to get some minutes and get going.
“When we played against Chelsea, they were still in preseason and maybe going through the motions. I think this team will be a lot sharper so it’ll be a lot tougher game.”
Despite being in the midst of their offseason, Marsch lauded Wednesday’s opponent, pegging them to prove a stern test for his side.
“I have a lot of respect for Club America, I’ve watched them a lot this past year,” he added. “They’re a talented team that likes to press and go after teams. They won’t be the fittest because they’re just starting and it’s going to be hot, but anytime you face a Mexican team they’re so good on the ball. It’ll be a real good challenge for some of our tactics.”
