Defenseman Sean Niels' position remains up in the air in Saturday's Eastern Conference finals against Orlando City SC, with the Red Bulls looking to fill the hole in the organization's biggest game in six years. This could be a stepping stone for them to turn their attention to younger players.
Niels was ejected late in Saturday's conference semifinal game against New York City FC after a violent collision with Justin Haak and did not return due to a concussion.
Neiris was practicing individually at the Red Bulls' training facility in New Jersey on Wednesday, and head coach Sandro Schwartz said in the post-practice press conference that the defender was a “question mark” heading into the weekend.
Niels, a Long Island native, will be tested for several days before a decision is made.
If the MLS veteran is unable to play, 22-year-old Swedish defender Noah Eir will take his place.
Eire came on as a substitute in the 59th minute to replace Neyris, who was sent off with an injury, and was a regular starter at center back during the regular season.
He played off the bench during the postseason.
Saturday's chance will be his biggest since joining the MLS team, but Eir told the Post he hasn't given it much thought.
“I think I've been doing the same thing all season to try not to think about things like that,” he said after practice. “I'm just trying to play and train and I'm not thinking about what happens after that. I can't influence what happens today on Saturday. I'm going to try and train as hard as I can. Try to give your best to something and focus on it.”
Orlando will be a new challenge for the Red Bulls.
Star player Facundo Torres scored two goals in the playoffs and 14 in the regular season, and goaltender Pedro Gallese has three clean sheets through Orlando's four playoff games.
The possibility of a bigger stage and more responsibility for Eir does not cause any extra tension for the young defender.
“I think you’re always nervous in every game,” he said. “It's not like I'm particularly nervous. I think everyone's a little more excited for the playoff games. But I didn't really think about it, starting or not starting. It's the same level every game. I think it's important to not let your emotions get too low or too high.”
Iles said he hopes Niels can play in Orlando and described him as a “key member” of the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls defeated NYCFC at Citi Field to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2018.
This rivalry match was the first time the region's two MLS clubs met in the playoffs, and it certainly caused a high level of emotion for the Red Bulls, who energetically celebrated their conquest of their rivals.
Ile said the club was able to find its footing after the win against NYCFC.
Red Bulls star Lewis Morgan said in a press conference on Wednesday that victory over local rivals cannot be the club's peak this season.
“The game is over. The biggest game for me right now is this weekend against Orlando,” Morgan said. “We definitely [remember] We haven't won anything yet and we still have a lot of work to do on the field. ”
