Alejandro "Kaku" Romero Gamarra playing in his first game action for the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, appearing in the final preseason game alongside New York Red Bulls II players in Tucson, Arizona.

Kaku started and went 57 minutes on the pitch in a 2-1 defeat to Phoenix Rising FC in the finale of the Mobile Mini Sun Cup.

"To be honest, I felt really good, very comfortable with the guys and we had very good game overall," Kaku said after the match through a translator.

Didier Drogba's Phoenix team got revenge on the Red Bulls, who earlier this preseason bested them 3-2 on their own pitch. Kaku said he never expected to be playing against Drogba in the United States.

"I am very happy because I have been waiting for this moment for a long time," Kaku said of getting back on the field. "It’s a dream come true to play against [Drogba]."

Kaku said he liked the way the team played in the final third -- and already felt like he was building a good understanding of the high-press.

Though Kaku finally logged game minutes since joining the club, he knows he still has a bit to go before he's at full match fitness.

"With this match, I am feeling a lot better and I hope to be in the best shape for next match," he said.

He's already looking forward to taking the pitch at Red Bull Arena soon.

"I am hoping that I am in the coach’s plans for the next match and be able to make my debut at Red Bull Arena," Kaku said.

The Red Bulls face off against Club Deportivo Olimpia on Thursday, March 1, at 8 p.m., in Leg 2 of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in Leg 1, with New York nabbing an all-important away goal.

Tickets are still available for the match, and are all priced at just $20.