The month of October got off to a good start for the New York Red Bulls, with a 3-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, on Saturday night.
Jesse Marsch said the team needs to leave their win-less September in the past and focus on what lies ahead.
"The key for me has been to continue to urge this group on and to have belief that even though the three points haven't been coming; that we're there and that we're close and it's just about a few little details," Marsch said. "That's what was very important about tonight is that we not only had a great start, we dominated a game for 90 minutes and we controlled almost every aspect of the game, and then we get a big win."
New York got goals from Daniel Royer, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Felipe as they locked up a spot in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs with the victory.
The Red Bulls' shutout was also a big achievement for the defense, Marsch said.
"I've been challenging our defenders. I've been challenging them to perform at a higher level because we've made too many mistakes," Marsch said. "You know, it's key to have a supportive environment but it's key to also be realists and we have had too many guys make too many mistakes back there that have cost us too much."
With two MLS regular season games left, Marsch will keep working to find the right mix on defense to keep opponents off the scoreboard.
"If we could find the right balance of personnel and performance in the back that the rest will take care of itself, because there's a lot of good things happening," Marsch said.
New York will take on an Eastern Conference rival in the Knockout Round of the playoffs at the end of October. The Red Bulls will be ready, according to the head coach.
"We're excited for the next few weeks," Marsch said.
