After being in existence for 20 years, the fact the Red Bulls haven’t won an MLS Cup is vexing — but the fact they seem like they haven’t even tried to win a U.S. Open Cup is inexcusable. It’s something that drives some supporters crazy and drives others away altogether.
It’s something they say will change, beginning with this new regime and starting with Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup debut, a fourth-round game against NASL side Atlanta Silverbacks at Red Bull Arena (7:30 p.m.).
“I understand the fans want us to compete in this, and I promised we’ll compete every time we step on the field because that’s our identity, so we’ll do that again,’’ said coach Jesse Marsch. “We’re not taking this game lightly. At the beginning of the year we said the Open Cup is a priority, so we’re going to make sure when we step in the field [Tuesday] we play in such a manner.’’
As a player, Marsch won four U.S. Open Cups with Chicago and recognizes the importance of the country’s oldest tournament — even if this club hasn’t always done so. The MetroStars lost the U.S. Open Cup final to Marsch’s Fire in 2003 and recently have seemed to view the competition as more of an inconvenience.
But after then-coach Hans Backe once famously didn’t even travel with a skeleton crew to watch them lose a U.S. Open Cup game — and a weakened side without Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Dax McCarty, Jamison Olave or Luis Robles got knocked out by the NASL Cosmos — they claim they’ll field a strong tram.
“The Open Cup is a tournament that has a lot of history. I don’t think Red Bull’s history in it is too good. It’s very important for us to win,’’ said McCarty. “This is a competition we haven’t taken too seriously for whatever reason the past couple years. That’s got to change. Jesse’s won this tournament plenty of times and he knows how important it is to the fans.
“It’s the fastest way to a trophy in terms of the shortest amount of games played. We’re taking it seriously. I’d imagine you’re going to see a pretty strong team out there. Guys are hungry, ready to get back on the field and win games. … We’re trying to create a culture of winning here, and the past couple weeks haven’t been what we wanted, [but] if we do the things we’re capable of, we expect to win.’’
They haven’t won in their last four and are stuck in a three-game losing skid. But they do — at least — finally get back CB Ronald Zubar, who hasn’t played since starting the opener.
“The U.S. Open Cup was one of the major objectives,’’ said Robles, who hopes to start. “So we look at this game as twofold: We’ve been on a bit of slump, so it’s going to give us a good opportunity to right some wrongs, but more than anything, it’s another possibility to get the team some silverware.’’