Veteran defender Tim Parker is providing valuable input as an elder statesman in guiding a Red Bull New York roster composed mostly of under-23 talent.
The 33-year-old’s experience and wisdom have come in handy for a young team that is blending together and trying to find its way under first-year head coach Michael Bradley.
“We try to encourage these younger guys that even if they think it’s their fault in the moment, mistakes are going to happen,” Parker said following New York’s 2-0 home defeat to FC Dallas on Saturday.
“Especially while the game is going on, it’s no one’s place to take blame or to give blame in that moment. It’s our time to find a response and go after them as quick as we can. So I hope that isn’t the mentality we carry or portray. If it is, then I think we can address it and look at how we are in the minutes after we give up goals.”
Developing Red Bull Defense Searching for Consistency
Parker started alongside Dylan Nealis in central defense against FC Dallas. The duo provided stability along the backline on Saturday. Defense wasn’t the problem against Dallas as the Red Bulls’ attack went missing in the second half.
But lately, New York has conceded far too many goals, and the opposition has found it far too easy to capitalize inside the Red Bulls’ box. The Red Bulls have allowed three or more goals in three of their past five matches across all competitions.
The hope is that the more organized, more composed defensive traits shown on Saturday can continue while New York’s attackers rediscover their sharpness.
Parker will likely drop back to the bench once first-choice defender Justin Che is available for selection. Che continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury suffered in the final moments of a 1-1 away draw against Toronto FC on March 14.
The 22-year-old was listed as questionable ahead of Saturday’s match against FC Dallas.
Che and Nealis both possess greater experience at right-back and have been asked to shift centrally by Bradley.
Parker Praises Nealis’ Center-Back Role Switch
battles for the ball in the air. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull New York)
South Ward Central asked Parker about the transition that Nealis has made in becoming a full-time center-back.
“I think Dylan’s done great,” Parker stated. “It’s not an easy switch for sure. I think he’s done really well. He’s taken in a lot of information. He’s had some lessons that he’s had to learn along the way, but he’s done really well.
“His ability to play passes going forward, keep the ball going forward, and then obviously, his physical nature is something that we value a lot. He’s done really well, and I’m excited to see him continue to learn because his versatility in that position is huge.”
Parker remains upbeat despite New York’s 11th-place Eastern Conference standing and minus-11 goal differential.
“We’re not worried about anything,” Parker said. “I think we have a lot of positives that we’re working towards. Right now, of course, the results aren’t coming our way. There’s one thing that in a game I feel like right now is going the opposite way for us. Once those things start trending in the right direction, I think we’ll find a little bit more of a rhythm to it.”
The Red Bulls will visit Soldier Field on Saturday to face Chicago Fire FC. Their attack will need to click, and their defense will need to be sturdy against the fourth-place Fire to end a five-game winless skid.
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