Chris Armas is encouraged by the freshest faces on the New York Red Bulls’ preseason roster. And now, those players will get their first exam when the club plays their first scrimmage against Atlanta United at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Friday morning.
Those seven players, Armas said, have been taken out of their comfort zone by design. They’ve been put through rigorous double sessions to get inundated quickly into the club’s distinct style and their speed of play. There’s also been video sessions and multiple meetings.
Now they’ll get their first taste of Major League Soccer competition in the club’s first of four scheduled preseason friendlies.