MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

Sitting on the sidelines and watching the MLS Knockout games has got the “competitive juices” flowing for Jesse Marsch and the New York Red Bulls.

“The playoffs are about being up for the challenge,” said Jesse Marsch who is entering his second MLS Cup Playoff season with the New York Red Bulls. “Watching the games over the past couple of days has got my competitive juices going. I think the same with our players.”

For the second straight season New York has won the Eastern Conference, avoiding the nerve-racking knockout games. On top of that the Red Bulls are carrying a 16-game unbeaten streak into the playoffs, making them the team to beat in 2016.

That isn’t stopping head coach Jesse Marsch from taking a proactive view of his team’s need to stay hungry.

“We know them. We know their players,” said Marsch when speaking about Montreal. “We know the dangers that they present. I don’t think there are lost of riddles for either team to solve. It’s just about being prepared and knowing how to put the game on your terms.”

New York had a rough trip to Montreal early in 2016, suffering a 3-0 loss during the team’s slow start to the season. The team did rebound with two wins against the Impact at Red Bull Arena but will certainly keep their performance in Canada in the back of their minds. In fact, New York has yet to beat Montreal at the Stade Saputo since Marsch joined the team.

“We are proud of who we are and try to stick to who we are,” said Marsch. “That doesn’t mean anything. That doesn’t get you any consolation awards. What gets you awards is winning games on gameday. We’ll be up for it. We’ll be ready.”