Luis Robles: “The reason we are communicating the way we do is because we believe in them, we want to get the best out of them.” (Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports)
OLDSMAR, Fla. — It wasn’t necessarily about winning or even scoring goals.
The most important thing about the Red Bulls’ scrimmage victory over the University of South Florida Saturday was about being on the same page.
New York recorded three wins — for a 7-0 final score — in the three 30-minute periods.
Veteran goalkeeper Luis Robles liked what he had seen.
“The reason we are communicating the way we do is because we believe in them, we want to get the best out of them, but more importantly we understand the demands that come with playing on this team,” he said. “If they can be open to that information, if they can absorb it and try to apply it, I think just the application allows us to feel encouraged with their progression.”
Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch deployed three lineups in the periods as many players had never performed together before.
“We put out three teams that never have played together, that in many ways are just getting to know each other, but it looked like us, and that’s always a key,” he said. “I think we want to make sure that there’s clarity on the field and commitment to do the things that make us good, and make us us.”
Not that filling the net wasn’t important, as was the players fitness as well.
“We tried to accomplish what we have been working on in the first week,” said Wright-Phillips, who scored the Red Bulls’ first goal of the day. “Ultimately, it is about fitness, but it is good to get everyone playing and get some goals.”
