Jesse Marsch defends Tyler Adams after crucial mistake vs. Chivas

GUADALAJARA -- New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch is backing 19-year-old Tyler Adams to bounce back from the mistake that led to Chivas' only goal in the 1-0 loss on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal first leg.

U.S. international Adams gave a loose pass in the 26th minute that led to Rodolfo Pizarro charging through to set up Isaac Brizuela to net for Chivas in Guadalajara.

"We spoke at half-time about not giving things away," said Marsch in the postgame news conference.

"Tyler is a great player and has a great future ahead of him and it's normal that young players make little mistakes, but for the most part he was a very important player for us tonight and will continue to be a very important player for us this year."

"When you coach young players, you have to have patience at times. You have to understand that they're not going to make every decision perfectly, they're not going to make every play perfectly."

"But Tyler is a big player for us and I guarantee you that he'll respond in the second leg in a big way."

Marsch indicated he felt the first yellow card for Aurelien Collin, who was sent off for a second offence in the 73rd minute, was harsh, but stressed there is a long way to go before the series is defined.

"If you were to follow our team over the years at Red Bull Arena our record is very good, our goal differential is very good," stated Marsch.

"It's a place we love to play. We know there'll be a lot of Chivas fans there. Obviously we would've liked to get a road goal, but this is half-time."

The Red Bulls coach added he hopes to spoil any thoughts in Mexico about a Super Clasico final between Chivas and Club America, but indicated his team will have to deal better with Mexico international Pizarro in next Tuesday's second leg.

"Pizarro was probably the best player on the pitch," said Marsch. "We knew that going into the game ... Pizarro's a world class player.

"When we go back to Red Bull Arena, we'll have to do a better job on him."

Chivas coach Matias Almeyda said he was satisfied with the victory, but complained that his team could've taken advantage better when the Liga MX side was playing against 10 men.

"It was important to score and not concede," said Almeyda. "We knew beforehand the difficulties that this game posed. They have their virtues.

"We'll implement our style over there with full confidence, hoping to get through to the final."

Almeyda described Red Bulls as a well-prepared, young and dynamic side and is expecting another difficult game in New Jersey.

"I think the game over there will be very similar," said the former Argentina international. "They'll probably play with a [defensive] line of four instead of five, which could make the game a little more open."