Reviewing the Leagues Cup Run

Photo by Matt Kremkau

by Daniel Feuerstein

The New York Red Bulls had a good run in their Leagues Cup trip, scraping with the Revolution and winning in penalties, edging Atletic de San Luis, a single penalty goal victory over NYCFC & then a hard-fought match against the Union, but falling to them in penalties. What we saw ever since Troy Lesesne took over this club is a rejuvenated side that is looking much better than what their start showed this 2023 season.

While there are still some issues with the club, there is no doubt that Lesesne has deserved to officially take over the club as their next head coach when we get to the 2024 season. His energy inside his technical area is refreshing, and he holds himself, and the players accountable for their performances in all the matches they play in, when he took over.

We saw Dante Vanzeir getting more comfortable each and every game, including his two goals against San Luis when he ran in and flicked the ball off his head for his first goal, then got on his horse to allow the ball to lead him into a shooting position and ripped it hard. John Tolkin also had a marvelous game against San Luis assisting on both goals.

The Red Bulls defense was also better, even though they only conceded twice losing concentration at home to San Luis, but were soundly beaten in Chester for the Union's equalizer, they really did play strong defensively. They showed why when they are on their game and playing hard, they are difficult to break down.

But the one player who truly used this Leagues Cup to improve his game was goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Without a doubt, he has resurrected his game since his multiple gaffs left his line to give free gifts to his opponents and allowed a goal for no reason. He has truly improved his game defending the net and made some big stops during the penalty shootout and, stopping San Luis from taking a lead late in the match.

I'm happy the Red Bulls have shown improvement, but while the loss in the penalty shootout during the round of 16 match at Subaru Park was disappointing, the truth is there are some positives to take from this Leagues Cup run. It's a shame they couldn't face Mexican side Queretaro in the Quarterfinals, still, there are some positives you can take from this run.

On a personal level, I'm glad this Leagues Cup tournament is over for the Red Bulls, while I know a CONCACAF Champions Cup place was up for grabs, this is still a tournament that doesn't move the needle for me interfering with the MLS regular season and Liga MX's Apertura Season. What I am waiting for is Hate DC week, and it's going to start this coming August 14th, when the match will be six days away. So let's get ready for the boys to take the full three points at home.

Comments

Red Bulls Announce Fan Experience Improvements

by Garry Redman On top of the theme nights announced this season, something new has been added the next time the season ticket holders and supporters step inside The Cathedral... The state-of-the-art LED lighting system at Red Bull Arena will provide higher on-field light levels for enhanced visibility and safety and introduce new entertainment features that heighten the overall experience for spectators. Built around Musco's Total Light Control—TLC for LED™ technology, the new system is designed to provide exceptional playability and uniformity while minimizing glare. Cleaner, whiter light will elevate the broadcast quality for fans watching around the world. Color-changing fixtures and Show-Light® Pro entertainment technology will allow the Red Bulls to wash the stadium in different colors and synchronize light shows to music, heightening the fan experience during goal celebrations, player introductions, and other big moments. If you have no idea what this means, click here t

Rumor: Dru Yearwood to be Traded to Nashville SC

photo by Matt Kremkau by Anthony J. Merced More trade rumors are circulating as Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood is linked to a move to Nashville SC according to Tom Bogert of the Athletic . What Red Bull will receive for such a trade remains to be seen. However expectations are that the move will be finalized by the end of next week. Yearwood joined New York in 2020 from Brentford in England. Along the way he has made 86 appearances for the club, including 55 starts. In 2021 and 2022 he made 18 starts, scoring three goals and three assists, his total output for the club in Major League Soccer. In 2023 Yearwood found his position in the club to vary greatly. At times he played in a defensive midfield role next to Frankie Amaya and other times higher up the field, almost as a second forward. After the departure of Cristian Casseres Jr. earlier in the year, it appeared as if Yearwood's minutes would increase. However Daniel Edelman stepped into the role, relegating Yearwood to more

Ex-Red Bulls Coach Gerhard Struber Shares Thoughts on MLS and Salzburg

photo by Matt Kremkau by Anthony J. Merced Red Bull News Network had the chance to communicate with former New York Red Bulls head coach Gerhard Struber, now the manager of Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. Struber was with New York from the end of the 2020 campaign through to the early part of 2023. Along the way he secured two playoff berths, a seventh and fourth place finish in 2021 and 2022 respectively. While his time was ended abruptly in MLS, his memories of the American version of the game have helped him prepare for such a monumental task in Europe. You spent nearly three seasons in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls, what did you learn from that experience that has made you a different coach at Red Bull Salzburg? Struber: In addition to the sporting aspects, there is a lot that I was able to gain from my work at New York Red Bulls. Any work in a foreign country not only brings you closer to the language, but also to the culture and mentality of the pe

Red Bull News Network

Search This Blog