COMMERCE CITY, Colo.—The struggles of 2016 continue for the New York Red Bulls.
Despite breaking a scoreless streak of over 330 minutes with a second-half equalizer, Jesse Marsch’s side was unable to secure a road point, falling 2-1 to Colorado in the snowy conditions at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“I’m having a hard time explaining what we’re going through," Marsch said. "Because it’s another game where I felt like we established ourselves in many ways, especially in the second half, as the better team."
Despite conceding a late game winner in the 82nd minute to fall in their fourth-straight loss, Marsch pointed to the many positives including the return of defender Ronald Zubar. The French center back featured for 84 minutes, his first action since suffering a hamstring injury in a 4-3 victory over the Houston Dynamo on March 19; the Red Bulls’ lone positive result of 2016.
“It was good to get him back,” Marsch said. “It was good to have two actual center backs play center back for us. We’re going through so many injuries at center back, I can’t explain it.”
In addition to the return of Zubar, the Red Bulls manager tipped his hat to goalkeeper Luis Robles, who had several extraordinary saves on the day. Robles also reached a personal milestone, collecting his 113th consecutive start and playing the full 90 yet again, making him the all-time MLS iron man for consecutive minutes played.
“I don’t think the accomplishment takes a back seat,” Marsch said. “It’s a great accomplishment. He’s been such an important player for this club over the last few years and he’s earned that. It’s a great accomplishment for him and we’ll look to the next 113.”
Said Robles: “It’s a pleasure to be a part of this team and a part of this organization. I’m so grateful to so many people.”
The Red Bulls ‘keeper was gutted by another losing performance, but likewise retained optimism that the 2015 Supporters' Shield winners can turn things around.
“When I look at the whole thing, it’s tough, because I wanted to be able to celebrate this milestone with a victory,” Robles said. “I still believe we have bright days ahead. My belief is very high in this group, and I do believe that it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
