The three New York Red Bulls goalkeepers in camp will need to challenge each other every day.
"I’m just looking for these guys to push each other," Goalkeepers Coach Preston Burpo said on Wednesday.
Ryan Meara, Evan Louro and Rafael Diaz are currently training in Tuscon with the team, while starting goalkeeper Luis Robles is in January Camp with the U.S. Men's National Team in California.
All three goalies said they're looking to take in as much advice to make themselves better, challenge themselves and get better every day.
"Any chance I get to come out here with the first team it’s always a challenge, but it’s exciting," Diaz said.
There's familiarity with the keepers and the coach, as Meara captained Red Bulls II to the USL Championship in 2016, while Diaz and Louro both worked with the first team during parts of the season.
"I know most of the first team guys, which helped with the transition," Louro said.
And when Robles returns from duties for the national team, everyone expects the level of competitiveness to rise.
"I expect the intensity and the level to be higher," Diaz said. "If you’re doing right by him, you know you’re doing well."
Burpo said the team is looking forward to Robles' time to come.
"Everyone is so happy and proud for what he’s done," Burpo said. "Word is that he’s doing well. We’ll be excited when he comes back, but everyone is looking forward to seeing him play over the next couple of games with the national team."
In the meantime, though, the keepers in camp will continue to put in the necessary work.
"I just want to be the best player I can possibly be," Louro said.
