New York Red Bulls recorded their first victory of the 2012 MLS season when they defeated Colorado Rapids 4-1 on the weekend.
A brace each from Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper did the damage for the Red Bulls, who had lost twice away from home in their opening matches, and Backe was delighted to see the team return to form with a confidence-building performance.
"Players, confidence wise, were a little bit shaky, but their flying start scoring two goals in the first five minutes settled it down in a good way.
"I think overall both defending and attacking looked solid. A deserved win over 90 minutes, but I think everyone is aware now that this is the way we need to dig in every game and step up for each other.""I think you can say it wasn't a must win but almost after losing two games on the road," he said.
And Back was also thrilled to see Rafael Marquez back in action after serving a three-match ban received in the Conference semi-finals last year.
"And now, after being involved in the whole preseason fitness wise he's absolutely at his best. He has to be. The way he can organize the team attacking and defending during 90 minutes, his precise passing game, when to get possession and when to go direct is very important for us.""I think, as we said, last year is history now, but he's definitely a player who only played less than 50% with us," Backe added.
