Shutout at home: New York Red Bulls player ratings vs Real Salt Lake; MLS 2017, Week 4

Well, a scoreless draw beats a draw where the Red Bulls either blew a lead or had to come from behind. Though the attackers need to get up to speed, the defense was sensational. Luis Robles now has two clean sheets after four games while it took him 12 weeks to get that many last season - and that's with a defensive backfield that has fielded six different starters already.

Seven points through the first four games is also nothing to scoff at either - that took nine weeks for last year's team to accomplish.

All of that said, the expectations for this team are way too high for RBNY to struggle so much against an opponent with no head coach, a stand-in goalkeeper, and no veteran leadership.

For the team to start inspiring confidence and make a serious run at some silverware, somebody other than "Own Goal" will need to step up to lead the scoring effort.

Here are the RBNY player ratings vs Real Salt Lake:

Luis Robles - 9

Hard to take points away from a GK with a clean sheet, especially when Robles made some very difficult saves when RSL had him dead to rights.

Kemar Lawrence - 8

Though Robles got the clean sheet, Lawrence was a big reason RSL couldn't even get anything set up on the left side.

Aaron Long - 7

Rarely got beat and made good clearances with his noggin, it was another solid outing for Long.

Damien Perrinelle - 7

DP redeemed himself for a poor showing in Seattle with a good day at the office on Saturday. With Aurelien Collin apparently in Marsch's doghouse, it would be nice to see games like this one become a trend rather than an exception.

Connor Lade - 7

It was a rousing return for Lade, who looked just like the gritty right back that got the Red Bulls on track last season.

Tyler Adams - 7

Though he was solely responsible for several mistakes that could have cost the team early on, Adams' goal-saving ankle block combined with his impeccable combination of tackling, balance, and athleticism has vaulted him firmly into a positional battle with Sean Davis for the start at D-mid.

Felipe - 7

It was yet another solid outing for Felipe, who handled his business in the possession game but was very wide of the mark on a crucial free kick attempt.

Daniel Royer - 7

Once again Royer showed via his speed just how ideal he is for Marsch's system. Unfortunately, his speed and balance have not translated well into shots on goal.

Alex Muyl - 5

Errant passes and missed opportunities on crosses may have cost Muyl further starts. When Royer and Kljestan are available, he doesn't look an upgrade to what either offers the team.

Fredrik Gulbrandsen - 6

It's starting to look more and more like Gulbrandsen would be better used as a super-sub than a starter. He's just missing something as far as that final touch.

Bradley Wright-Phillips - 6

Sometimes BWP needs to act just a little more selfishly and take a shot rather than try to set up a shot for another attacker who has lagged behind. Not every chance needs to be set up perfectly for a guy of his talent to have a go.

Subs:

Sal Zizzo - 6

Zizzo is really at his best with limited time and even more limited responsibilities.

Sean Davis - 6

It will be interesting to see if Marsch gives Davis a chance to redeem himself as the starting DM after the way Adams played.