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New York Red Bulls: For match against FC Dallas, it’s all about proving Jesse Marsch right

By John Carroll Jr.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 04: Jesse Marsch coach of New York RB gives instructions to his players during the semifinal match between Chivas and New York RB as part of the CONCACAF Champions League at Akron Stadium on April 4, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 04: Jesse Marsch coach of New York RB gives instructions to his players during the semifinal match between Chivas and New York RB as part of the CONCACAF Champions League at Akron Stadium on April 4, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) /
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The New York Red Bulls finally had some time off after their Open Cup exit. However, their home match vs FC Dallas is all about proving head coach Jesse Marsch right.

Say what you want about Jesse Marsch‘s tenure as the New York Red Bulls head coach so far but he is definitely one who sticks to his guns.

The New York Red Bulls took a surprising loss to the Philadelphia Union in the US Open Cup. That means they fail in their attempt to return to the final for the second straight season.

However, that loss was just a few short days after the Red Bulls defeated Seattle at home in MLS competition.

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After both matches, where the Red Bulls won one and lost another. The results raise a simple question. Where do the team’s priorities lie? Do they care about MLS play? Have less of a focus on outside competition?

The answer became apparent after Marsch put out a less than stellar lineup vs the Union in the loss. His lineup just a few days earlier vs Seattle was star-studded.

Jesse Marsch finally made it clear. He wants his squad to do well and succeed in MLS play. By doing so, he was forced to lighten the roster for the US Open Cup match.

Now, the Red Bulls only have to worry about MLS play. Jesse Marsch can get his wish too because New York’s red side has another tough task this week.

They host FC Dallas. Yes, the Red Bulls are home and historically have the advantage over Dallas. However, Dallas comes into this match as one of the hottest teams in the league. They are rolling with arguably the league’s best defense and sit tied atop the West.

Jesse Marsch’s club has not played in an MLS match in over a week heading into this one. Have not traveled for an MLS match in over two weeks.

A big win vs a great Dallas team at home will all but officially put the Red Bulls as the best team in the MLS. If they beat Dallas, they will have beaten or tied with four of the best five clubs in all of the land.

That is how Jesse Marsch can be proven right with a win this match. If the Red Bulls come out fresh and hungry and earn more points vs another great team, it shows that he is smart for really going all-in on MLS.

It shows the brilliance in the confidence to win the MLS Cup with the right line up and that they do not need another competition to win a trophy.

However, if the Red Bulls lose it might raise some questions about how good they actually are. It will make Marsch look bad for not caring about the Open Cup as much.

What Marsch did can be equated to an NFL team resting their starters in Week 17 after they clinched a playoff spot. If they win the playoff game, it worked. If they lose then it might come off as they were rusty.

He looks at the MLS regular season as the playoff game. That takes priority. This is what he wants his team prioritizes.

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Against FC Dallas, it might pay off. Or, it might not. Either way, Jesse Marsch needs to stick with what he is doing and hope for the best now. Luckily, the Red Bulls have a more normal schedule now and no outside competitions.

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