HANOVER, N.J. – Although it’s a bit risky, the New York Red Bulls’ high-press, up-tempo style of first-year head coach Jesse Marsch has been highly effective this season.
The Red Bulls are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1-4 record.
And while the system has reaped early rewards, concerns have been raised about its practicality over the course of a 34-game campaign. Those concerns will be put to the test on Friday, when the Red Bulls will attempt to maintain their physically-demanding style against West leaders FC Dallas in the heat of Frisco, Texas (9 pm ET; UDN).
Though the match will mark the first time that New York will use their up-tempo system in hot conditions, Marsch is assured that his side will hold up well at Toyota Stadium, where the forecast calls for a kickoff temperature of 78 degrees.
“We’re fairly confident that we’re fit and we’re strong,” Marsch said. “As much it’s a high-tempo [style], if we’re all clear together and moving together, the game shouldn’t get wide open.”
Captain Dax McCarty agreed with his head coach, though he did admit that New York may have to adjust their tactics mid-game depending on how things progress.
“I think we’re going to be able to do it,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “The game plan, as of now, is to start the game off high pressing and seeing how we can put the game on our terms and seeing how we can make Dallas uncomfortable. Obviously, as the game progresses and the game opens up a little bit more and we see how the pressure’s working, then you make a decision on whether you press even more or whether you take it back a little bit and go to lower pressure.”
The heat is hardly the only factor that the Red Bulls will have to contend with. Dallas, who stand alone in second in the league with a 2.0-points-per-game average, boast some truly game-changing talent in the attack.
Midfielders Mauro Diaz and Fabian Castillo have unlocked their fair share of defenses in 2015, and New York are more than wary of the threat they present.
“We’re very prepared for some fast, dynamic attacking players that Dallas has,” midfielder Sacha Kljestan said. “We’ve watched some tape on them, we know what they’re about, and we’re going to still try to put our game plan to good use and put them under pressure.
“The best way to limit a good player is to not give him time and space to hurt you.”
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For as much as they managed to take advantage of opportunities on the break in their 2-1 win against New York City FC on Sunday night, the Red Bulls could find themselves equally vulnerable to the counter on Friday.
One of the keys to making sure the high-powered Dallas offense doesn’t have any joy on the break? Finding the proper balance between pressing high and leaving as little space in behind as possible – a tall task, to say the least.
“It’ll be a good test for us because their guys are good in open space and potentially there could be room behind us for space, so we have to manage that well,” Marsch said. “We’ve got to limit their space even when we are pushed up the field. That just means that everyone behind the ball has to be aware of where they are at all moments, and now make sure that we close the field even when we have the ball so that when there are turnovers… they can’t just find those guys in space.
“Easier said than done.”
