Despite NYCFC’s US Open Cup exit to Red Bulls on Wednesday, Patrick Vieira knows that there is no lack of quality in his squad.
The Frenchman isn’t about to rush into any hasty conclusions from the 1-0 loss ahead of the reigning champions’ visit but has called upon his players to defend from the front and concentrate for all 95 minutes of the upcoming game.
NYCFC were punished for switching off just once at Red Bull Arena and Patrick doesn’t want a repeat when Seattle Sounders arrive at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Vieira told NYCFC.com: “In every game, especially the one against the Red Bulls in the cup, when you look at the first half we played, there’s some positive aspects to the game.
“I think we were quite disciplined, well organized and we had chances to score goals and when we lost that organization and discipline in the second half, we conceded the goal.
“For that reason, it’s important for us to get our concentration for the 95 minutes because every mistake you make, or any lack of attention, you can concede a chance or concede a goal. That is a good learning process for us.”
Seattle progressed in the US Open Cup with a victory over Portland Timbers in midweek – their fourth win in four games.
Following a stuttering start to their MLS Cup defense, Sounders’ form has upturned considerably and Vieira has described this match against the East Coast outfit will be an “exciting challenge”.
“It’s going to be a very good and exciting challenge for us. We’re going to play the champions which will be a really good test and we’re looking forward to the game.
“There’s a lot of quality in this team but I think if we are not working together and doing well, we’re going to have problems and not just against them [Red Bulls] but against any team in MLS.
“It will be good for us to go back to basics, to defend as a team and work hard. That will allow us to have more chances to take the three points.”
