"It will be a massive challenge," Jesse Marsch said. "We know that, but we are excited.”
Marsch, speaking about the upcoming Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup against Toronto FC, said a lot goes into preparing to take on the best team in MLS in 2017.
"We’re going to have to be at our absolute best and we know that, we’re not afraid of that and in fact, we’re excited for that challenge," Marsch said.
The series kicks off on Monday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. ET. Kickoff is set for 7:25 p.m. ET.
The Red Bulls went 0-1-1 in two MLS regular season games against Toronto, drawing at home and losing on the road.
In the club’s first meeting on May 19 at Red Bull Arena, the sides played to a 1-1 draw. In their previous encounter on September 30 at BMO Field, Toronto claimed all three points and the 2017 Supporters’ Shield in a 4-2 win.
Despite the underdog status, Marsch said the team has a bit of a quiet confidence about them heading into the two-leg series.
"There’s an ease to our team right now and we just want to prepare ourselves for the game and then go out and play," the head coach said. "If we could play the game today, we honestly would, we’re ready. We’re mentally ready, we’ll be clear, we’re going to go after it. That’s where we’re at right now and it makes this team fun.”
