Despite loss, Red Bulls inspired by form against Orlando

Jesse Marsch

After the New York Red Bulls’ 1-0 loss in Orlando, Head Coach Jesse Marsch carried an optimistic tone despite the result.


"For me, it's obviously disappointing -- given the control we had at different stages of the game -- to come out with no points,” Marsch said. “But for me, that looked like us, that felt like us…in all ways now I think we made big strides in a game that wasn't a result.”


Red Bulls captain Sacha Kljestan echoed Marsch’s sentiments, citing the team’s positivity in the second half.


“I felt like especially in the second half that we had the game on our terms. We played in their half for the majority of the second half,” Kljestan said. “The commitment from guys to just keep pushing, to fight for one another…the finishing part wasn’t there and giving up a set piece goal again is a bit disappointing, but I take some good positives from this game.”


The Red Bulls bested their opponents in possession (61 percent to 39 percent) and passing accuracy (77 percent to 61 percent), completing a total of 402 passes, including 295 in the attacking half. New York also created chances on set pieces with eight corner kicks and tied Orlando with 12 total shots.


Goalkeeper Luis Robles admitted ‘there will be better days’ but expressed his belief that Sunday’s performance is one to build upon.


“There are some things that we need to continue to improve upon but I think overall, we're a little bit unlucky not to get more from today's game,” Luis Robles said. “Orlando is a good team and they did a good job of limiting our chances but I feel when you look at today's performances, its very encouraging moving forward."