MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

HARRISON, N.J. – The Red Bulls didn’t just beat New York City FC physically. They beat them mentally as well.

Patrick Vieira “felt sorry” for head coach Jesse Marsch after New York Red Bull’s 4-1 win over NYCFC at Red Bull Arena Sunday afternoon, showing just how much the comments made earlier in the week by the Red Bulls’ boss affected the French football legend in this rivalry.

“The conversation with Jesse was to stop crying,” said NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira when discussing his confrontation with Jesse Marsch after his ejection. “I think his team was playing well but he was quite really frustrated and I feel sorry for him.”

Vieira, who is 1-2 against the New York Red Bulls this year, was clearly perturbed by Marsch and his approach to the match. The most recent animosity stems from comments made this week by Marsch, who claimed that NYCFC star players have gotten the “benefit of the doubt” from officials in previous meetings between the two sides.

That, combined with his teams ineffective play in the rivalry, created a frustrating atmosphere, causing Vieira to lambast Marsch throughout his post-game press conference.

“I think when you are putting a question mark on a referee’s ability before a big game that can have an impact,” said Vieira. “I think you will agree that it had an impact on the referee’s performance today.”

Vieira’s words and early ejection are signs of just how much the new head coach has allowed his rival to get the best of him mentally. Normally known for his calm and thoughtful approach to the game, Vieira uncharacteristically unleashed on Marsch for his influence of officials.

Marsch took the expected high road when asked about the officiating, not just because of his recent fine from the league office — but also because of his team’s effectiveness in the game itself.

“[Vieira] never said anything to me, that’s all I can say,” said Marsch after the game about Vieira’s comments. “He didn’t want to shake my hand in the hallway but I’ve seen this from him after the game before so this is not a problem.

“I thought Geiger was fantastic,” he added. “It’s hard to argue with that performance. I think it’s maybe one of the best that we’ve seen of the year.”