With efforts being made to keep players out of the Orlando Summer heat, kickoff times in the MLS is Back Tournament range from 9:00 a.m. ET to 10:30 p.m. While the Red Bulls have avoided any morning starts in Group E play, Thursday night’s late kickoff against Columbus Crew SC will present a unique challenge to players and staff.
Days after the group stage schedule was announced, the Red Bulls held an intra-squad scrimmage at Red Bull Arena with a 10:30 kickoff. Head Coach Chris Armas emphasized getting players familiar with the late kick, but also not disrupting their body schedule too often.