Editorial – It certainly wasn’t the prettiest of performances for the New York Red Bulls against Orlando City SC. A back and forth affair saw the Red Bulls fall to Orlando 4-3 with a rotated squad in this one. The match was both emotional and physical on many levels. The Red Bulls rested most of their in preparation for their first leg of their Concacaf Champions’ League Semifinal.
New York Red Bulls Players Grades vs. Orlando City SC
Florian Valot: A-
Valot was certainly one of the biggest bright spots in this one. He tallied his first career MLS goal as well adding an in this one. Valot has certainly made the most of the time he has seen on the first team so far this season. With the condensed schedule continuing over the next few weeks Valot will continue to see quality first team minutes.
Derrick Etienne Jr. : B
Etienne was another who tallied his first goal in MLS against Orlando. Scoring the second goal for the Red Bulls on the day Eitenne was finally able to find the back of the net using his pace to run down a through ball by Valot. Red Bull supporters will be hoping that this can finally open the flood gates for Etienne.
Aaron Long: B
Long completed the trio of former New York Red Bulls II members to score in this one. Scoring a header off of a well taken free kick, Long was able to draw the Red Bulls level late before eventually falling to Orlando.
Aurelien Collin: C-
This was certainly one that Collin will want to forget. The Red Bulls center back had an absolute nightmare of a time trying to deal with Orlando’s Dom Dwyer. Picking up a yellow, as well as committing another foul that could have easily led to a second. Not the greatest of showings against his former club.
Tommy Redding: D
This was certainly not the debut Tommy Redding was hoping for. What was worse, was that it came against his former team. Looking severely outmatched and outplayed, Redding struggled in the back for the Red Bulls. This match shows while potential is there, Redding still has quite a long way to go before he will be cracking the Red Bulls first team squad again.
Final Thoughts
While this wasn’t the best performance, there is no need to panic for the Red Bulls. This was a rotated squad who had very few of the players who will consistently in the Starting XI. Jesse Marsch made the right move with the squad he choose for this match. With the team eyes on a far much bigger prize, no chances can be taken at this point. The Red Bulls will look to move on step closer to the Concacaf Champions League final.
