'I'm satisfied about the performance' - Sandro Schwarz reacts to RBNY's goalless draw with Nashville SC
- New York outclassed Nashville over the weekend but were held to a 0-0 draw
- Emil Forsberg shined in his MLS debut for his new club
- Red Bulls created plenty of chances but were unable to put them in the back of the net
Despite the 0-0 scoreline at GEODIS Park, first-year head coach Sandro Schwarz was 'satisfied' with how his New York Red Bulls side performed against Nashville SC in MLS Matchday 1.
It was a performance that had everything but a few goals from New York to take home three points to Red Bull Arena on Sunday afternoon. In Schwarz's first game in charge, his team recorded 55% possession, 18 shots (five on target), and an xG of 1.52 while also rattling the crossbar three times.
Red Bulls were clearly the better side up until the 75th minute mark, when Nashville finally decided to get out of their shells and bring the game to the visitors - but it was to no avail. It's not an uncommon scene in soccer around the world, especially when the away side is able to keep the ball with ease but just let off the gas pedal near the end of regulation.
However, Schwarz explained that he was pleased with the team's showing in his game on the touchline, raving about the quality that new signing Emil Forsberg possesses - he hit the crossbar himself after a powerful free kick from distance.
"To be honest, I’m satisfied about the performance. Emil [Forsberg], you can see his experience and his quality," Schwarz said after the draw.
Most MLS teams would be delighted to take a point on the road away from home, especially in a stadium like GEODIS Park where teams are tasked with breaking down Gary Smith's low block. Schwarz was slightly frustrated with the scoreline but isn't dwelling on it too much, knowing his side must use it as a building block to start stacking wins in the coming games.
"Our defensive behavior, our offensive transition, the mentality and how we defend was very good," the former Mainz 05 and Hertha Berlin boss added. "I saw very good moments. I’m a little disappointed about the result, but the way the whole team played was very good. Now, we have to continue."
Forsberg, who departed Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in December to stay in the Red Bull family and sign with New York, admitted that he and his teammates will take the positives from the draw into their next few games.
"I think in general we played a good game; we controlled the game for a long time. We had some good chances and a little bit of bad luck, but I mean in general happy to have made my debut," said Forsberg.
"It was a good feeling. I think we played a good match, but of course disappointing to not get the win, but there's a lot we will take with us after this game."
New York return to Red Bull Arena for their first home game of the 2024 season where they'll clash with 2023 Western Conference finalists Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 2.