On Saturday, the New York Red Bulls will look to build off of their second half performance against San Jose, when they welcome Orlando City SC to Red Bull Arena.
Head Coach Chris Armas knows this match won't be an easy one, and credits the coaching by Head Coach James O’Connor, his staff and the players all buying into the system that has been implemented.
“Every time we play Orlando, it's difficult,” Armas said. “They're just a good team. They’re well coached and they have dangerous players. They’re a unit and they're buying in on what’s being taught.”
According to Armas, a couple of reasons why Orlando will be a tough opponent to play against is because of the quality of players that are on the roster, and the fact that the team has been playing better of late.
“Sasha is always a tough, tough player to deal with because he's so intelligent and he makes everyone around him better,” Armas said. “Of course, there is Nani and Dwyer, there is just a lot of weapons that they have, and they've actually played some good games lately. And look, we saw them even in preseason that it was right there in the balance it can go either way. They'll come in and bring a big fight.”
With a number of players from the defensive backline on international duty, the Red Bulls feel confident with the depth on the roster to fill the holes that were left.
“I think we're very confident with the guys that will step in,” Armas said. “We got a glimpse of Amro in Columbus, and throughout preseason. We got to know him as a player and he fits, like we thought he would, he fits. When you think of the minutes that Kyle and Connor have gotten, those guys are ready for another big game.”
