MONTREAL – The New York Red Bulls know exactly what to expect from the Montreal Impact in the second leg of their Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal series – and rest assured, they’ll be ready.
After obtaining several quality scoring chances in the 1-0 loss at Stade Saputo but failing to convert on any of them, the Red Bulls are prepared for more of the same from their opponent when the two clubs reconvene for the rematch on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. Mainly, they expect the Impact to sit deep and try to hit on the counter.
“It’s pretty simple to figure out what their game plan’s going to be," goalkeeper Luis Robles said. “They’ll come to Red Bull Arena, sit back, park the bus, and then counter and hit us on the counter in set pieces. Really, not much different from what they did to us [in the first leg].
“We’re going to be very mindful going into the next game that we are down and we can’t concede an away goal. Nonetheless, going into this week, we’re really going to have to turn attention to our lack of sharpness. But more than anything, really, understand what we’re going to do to break them down when they come to Red Bull Arena.”
Despite the loss ending an unbeaten streak for New York that stretched back to July, both players and head coach Jesse Marsch were pleased with the effort. For the most part.
“In certain areas, I thought that our team played well and was organized and then basically one play costs us, even though I thought we had pretty good control of the match,” Marsch said. “Even though we had some really good advantages, we couldn’t convert any of them, so we walk out of here without a goal.
“I think, given everything, we put a lot into it, and we know it’s only halftime and there’s a lot more to go in this series. We’ll be excited to go back home.”
And with good reason. The Red Bulls recorded a league-best 13 wins and 41 points at home, courtesy of a 13-2-2 record during the regular season. Their last loss on their home pitch dates all the way back to April 9.
“It’s halftime. They’ve won the first leg but they haven’t won the series,” said midfielder Sacha Kljestan. “We know that we have a lot to play for in front of our home fans in the stadium where we feel the most comfortable, in a place where we won a lot this season. We know going in – and I think Montreal knows going in, too – that we’re in for a heck of a match.”
