New York Red Bulls defender Andres Reyes has been a yo-yo of consistency in 2024 with head coach Sandro Schwarz struggling to get the best out of the Colombian player. At one point it appeared as if newcomer Noah Eile had taken his place in the starting lineup. However, with Schwarz’s reversion to a more direct style of play, Reyes has found himself as the top pick again with a Man of the Match performance against NYCFC.
“He was so good today,” said Schwarz on Reyes’ performance. “It’s important, especially when (Keaton) Parks comes into the box. To defend against him, against the strikers, that 10 position, our box defending was very good in these situations.”
City had found it rather easy to score against the Red Bulls in previous meetings earlier in the season but could not find a way through the defense or goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. NYCFC star man Alonso Martinez, who cut through the defense just two months ago at Red Bull Arena, found himself to be less than effective with Reyes seemingly in the right position all night long.
His partner, Sean Nealis, was also effective in providing the physicality that kept City off balance for the entire night. At this point, the combination of Reyes and Nealis has kept both Columbus and NYCFC off the scoreboard in recent weeks.
“In this stadium, on the road, to have this reaction after three weeks without a game is not so easy,” said Schwarz. “We had good moments and we are very happy. We are satisfied, but now we have to keep this level and keep this focus for the next step.”
That next step is the Eastern Conference Final against Orlando City, once again on the road. 2018 was the last time the Red Bulls were within one game of the MLS Cup Final. Under Schwarz the team has undone years of playoff frustration and far surpassed where many thought they would be. Whether they can continue that effort will be confirmed this Saturday in one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
Reyes Pulls Top Performance When Needed Most
