Julián Bazán began repeating a message that quickly became a rallying cry for Red Bull New York. It soon took over the club’s dressing room.
The message? Treat every remaining MLS regular-season match like it’s a do-or-die cup final.
“I talk with the coach, and we are agreeing — we have seven finals,” Bazán said before Red Bull New York’s October 10 match against San Diego FC.
Seven finals have now become three. Most recently, the Red Bulls shocked Lionel Messi and defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami and quieted the “Mes-si, Mes-si” chants by delivering a 2-0 victory on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Players as well as head coach Michael Bradley have continued repeating the mantra in press conferences and media scrums.
“Obviously, we know these are like cup finals, and we have to play up to the level that the teams are playing,” forward Cameron Harper said following Saturday’s win.
Wednesday’s visit to second-place New England will be another major test for the Red Bulls, who are hanging on to the ninth and final playoff place by a whisker-thin one-point margin.
Cade Cowell on ‘Finals’ Mantra: ‘It’s a Great Message’
Forward Cade Cowell recalled that Bazán’s message immediately struck a chord with Bradley.
“I think Julián Bazán started that, and it’s something that Michael [Bradley] grabbed on and got us all connected and made sure we’re all on the same page with that,” Cowell said on Monday.
“It just shows the leadership that he has. Obviously, Michael respects that. It’s a really great message to have because when you look at it, you say, oh yeah, we need these next three games, but when you really go deep into it and say, okay, we need these next three points, go game by game, it helps a lot. It makes you realize that every single game, every moment matters. It’s something we need to grab on.”
Bazán, Che Will Miss Wednesday’s Match vs. New England
Unfortunately for the Red Bulls, Bazán is suspended for Wednesday’s contest due to yellow card accumulation. The 20-year-old received a yellow card in the 80th minute against Inter Miami.
“Everyone respects him and what he can do on the field for us,” Cowell said. “He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. Honestly, he’s such a beast on the field. We rely on him a lot. It’s unfortunate that he’s suspended for this next game, but obviously he’ll be there for the last two, and we really need him.”
The absence of Bazán and fellow first-choice central defender Justin Che will be a major test for New York when Wednesday’s showdown at Gillette Stadium kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Bradley confirmed on Monday that Che, who suffered a knee injury during last Tuesday’s training session, is out as the club awaits a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
“We’re still working through everything and doing the best that we can to make sure the diagnosis is spot on and the initial treatment is exactly what it needs to be. So we can make sure that he’s taken care of in the best way.”
How Red Bull New York Could Line Up Without Bazán and Che
Veteran defender Tim Parker started in place of Che on Saturday against Inter Miami. New York’s back four of Bazán, Parker, Dylan Nealis and Devin Padelford helped earn a clean sheet and frustrated Herons attackers Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame and Messi.
With Bazán and Che unavailable on Wednesday night, it’s likely that Bradley will slide the versatile Padelford from left-back to left-center-back with Parker as his central defense partner and return Matthew Dos Santos to the starting XI at left-back.
Wednesday’s meeting with the Revolution at Gillette Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Apple TV will carry the broadcast.
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