The last two months for the New York Red Bulls have been challenging to say the least. The frustration mounted again Saturday when New York dropped out of a playoff spot against Chicago Fire FC.
While the offense struggled to generate anything in the attacking third, the backline faced constant pressure from the Chicago attack. That, of course, led to a first-half penalty kick goal, which ended up being the difference in Saturday’s match. With the defenders faulting in recent matches, that has put immense pressure on goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to save everything coming his way.
Since 2021, Coronel has been a consistent piece on a Red Bulls squad that has seen players come and go. Most of the attention this season has been directed towards how well captain Emil Forsberg and striker Eric Choupo-Moting have played, and rightfully so. However, Coronel deserves some recognition, even with the struggles the backline has put forth for him.
Outside a match vs Toronto FC and U.S. Open Cup play, Coronel has been in every lineup for New York this season. While the 35 goals allowed isn’t great, he has kept opposing squads from scoring on him. His seven clean sheets have him ranked in the top 10 in Major League Soccer in that category, and he leads the MLS in saves with 86.
Last season feels particularly odd in retrospect because he only managed four clean sheets in the regular season. Of course, Coronel did turn it up in the playoffs and was a big reason for New York’s run to the Cup Final. Three clean sheets in the playoffs and his excellent form in round one versus the Columbus Crew proved why he is a great goalkeeper.
Since making the move to New York in 2021, Coronel has proven why he deserves to be mentioned among the best goalies in MLS. His stellar debut season in 2021 saw him tied for first in MLS with 13 shutouts. Not to mention, he had 89 saves, which ranked in the top ten that season.
Coronel’s talent has always been there, and Philadelphia Union fans were the first to get a glimpse of him in the MLS in 2019. In only four appearances, Coronel managed to get a clean sheet, allowed only two goals, and had a 4-0-0 record.
The loan move from New York’s sister club, Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Bundesliga, was a critical one for both New York and Coronel. Developing at RB Salzburg allowed Coronel to grow as a player, which then accumulated to his great form in New York.
New York has had a great history of players who have played between the posts. From Tony Meola to Luis Robles, the Red Bulls know how to get the best out of their keepers.
Looking at the upcoming Leagues Cup, Coronel’s play in net will be important for the Red Bulls to succeed. Giving up 12 goals and not earning one clean sheet in July is not ideal, but the upcoming tournament may be a chance for Coronel to reset. Having a confident and relaxed mindset will allow him to play well, especially against a scorer like C.F. Monterrey’s Germán Berterame.
Could a great tournament enable Coronel to perform well the rest of the season? Perhaps, and that would only increase New York’s playoff chances as they head into the final few months of regular competition.
