Ever since the departure of a certain French superstar, the questions surrounding incumbent MLS top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips have come fast and furious.
Despite notching a league-best 27 goals in 2014, the skeptics have wondered whether he can replicate the same type of production in 2015 without the benefit of his former strike partner Thierry Henry, who retired at the end of last season. Never one to soak up the spotlight, Wright-Phillips admittedly took offense to some of these claims, but took a huge step to proving those doubters wrong through his performance on Sunday night, scoring his first goal in 2015 in a 2-0 win over DC United.
“It might answer some of their questions, but I feel that some people are always going to be upset that Thierry’s left," Wright-Phillips said after the match. "All we can do is play our game, and I think today was an example of what we can do. I think we can play a lot better. But it was an example, so hopefully [the fans] can be happy with that.”
Scoring the first goal and assisting on the second in Sunday's home opener, Wright-Phillips has seemingly picked up where he left off in 2014. Now a Designated Player, many have looked to Wright-Phillips to provide a more vocal presence within the locker room, but the striker insists that it will be very much status quo.
“I don’t think a lot has changed," Wright-Phillips said. "Obviously, with Thierry Henry leaving everyone’s going to have questions. But for me, nothing has changed. I’m not a loud guy, I don’t even like [doing interviews].”
That’s just fine for Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch.
Taking over the reigns in 2015, Marsch has consistently preached a team-first attitude where no one player stands above the rest. Marsch is hoping that unified mentality will eventually win over a fan base still smarting over an offseason of change.
“If we get this team right, everyone will follow,” Marsch said after the match. “I hope that the fans—whether at the stadium or at home—are getting a sense for what this team’s going to be. Despite all the talk that this team’s going to have a down year and it’s a rebuilding year, this is a pretty good team. And they want to prove it to themselves and prove it to everybody every night out.”
On a day that saw a faction of Red Bulls supporters protesting the dismissal of former head coach and player Mike Petke, Marsch insists that his focus is not on winning over the fans, but winning on the pitch.
“My goal is the team,” Marsch continued. “If the team is right, then people will like the team and they’ll like me in turn. I’m not trying to win a popularity contest; I’m trying to coach a football team to be the best in the league. That’s my sole mission. When we get there, I think a lot of people will appreciate the work that’s been done.”
That same sentiment was echoed throughout the Red Bulls locker room. While acknowledging the current supporter sentiment in the stands, the squad is equally confident that the hard work will win back their support.
“It was very important not just to get the win, but show them the commitment we have towards the fans,” Wright-Phillips added. “We’re working hard every day in training and you can see it on the field today. The work the players put in is unbelievable. If that doesn’t get them in their seats, I don’t know what will.”
