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Red Bull New York, or the New York Red Bulls to some still, have had quite the start to 2026. Currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 5-5-4 record, good for 19 points, the general opinion on the club has been mixed.
One minute, everyone is praising the stellar play of the youngsters like Julian Zakrzewski Hall and Adri Mehmeti. The next minute, the supporters think that the sky is falling.
As someone who was covering Red Bull up until earlier this month, my opinions kept swaying and I felt convinced by the fans to align with them. But, after a few weeks where I was watching as a fan and not as a reporter, I still believe that the team can be great.
Since their loss to FC Dallas, Red Bull have rattled off three fine results in league play. This includes two victories against Chicago Fire FC and the Columbus Crew, but also a frustrating draw to rivals New York City FC last Saturday. Again, for the doomsday fans on Twitter/X, this team is not bad.
Obviously, the play I witnessed in March and late April was not pleasing to the eye. From what I’ve seen from Red Bull the past three matches, they have the ability to deliver. Designated player Jorge Ruvalcaba has shown some quality and Cade Cowell appears to be getting into the groove of things.
For head coach Michael Bradley, this is his first season as the first team’s head man. As both a fan, and throughout the past few months as a lead writer covering the team, what are my thoughts on him?
I actually like a lot of what he has done for the squad. The attack in many matches like against D.C. United has been good.
Now it’s worth noting that the play of Hall has been a major reason for their success. With nine goals in MLS play, his speed, his understanding of the game, and his energy have worked nicely with what Bradley has implemented. A 4-3-3 formation is what Bradley has mostly utilized throughout the season and with a quickster like Cowell finding Hall, scoring isn’t an issue.
I’ve really appreciated him believing in young midfielders as well such as Ronald Donkor and Mehmeti, who have put forth solid campaigns. In the case of Mehmeti, the kid has what it takes to succeed in Europe and follow in the footsteps of a former Red Bull midfielder like Tyler Adams. I said this before and I will say it again, having Bradley as a coach, who also played the position, is beneficial for a player like Mehmeti.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room again. The backline.
I think what non-Red Bull fans need to understand is that the way the team plays is why they have allowed a lot of scores. Individually, Justin Che when he plays has been their best defender. Robert Voloder, Tim Parker, Dylan Nealis to name a few have played well at times.
But, whether it’s opposing size, athleticism, speed, or IQ, the opposition has found ways to counter New York’s backline. Especially at the tiempo New York operates at, there’s bound to be mistakes.
As someone who values excellent defensive play, the high-scoring attack, mixed with a lackluster defense is something that annoys me. It will take time and when and if the backline improves, so will the results.
Then, some players such as DP Eric Choupo-Moting have been given less playing time. With Hall’s amazing play up front, Choupo-Moting has seen his contribution dwindle in 2026. In fairness to him, he saved New York from losing to Toronto FC and scored a penalty vs Chicago.
Bradley has addressed questions regarding his DP and obviously fans have complained. When a star player is sitting on the bench making a lot of money, I can understand fans’ frustration.
The next point has nothing to do with Bradley but with Emil Forsberg. There have been murmurs that Forsberg has looked disinterested on the pitch which I honestly don’t believe. When I watch New York’s captain, I see someone who is determined to give their all in every match.
Forsberg’s time with New York has been interesting to say the least. Still, Bradley believes in the Swedish international, even if 2026 has at times been frustrating.
Given where Red Bull is heading into the World Cup break, I’m here to tell fans to believe in Bradley’s vision. Listening to him back in January made me convinced that he’s the right man to lead this group.
Remember, it’s only his first season as a head coach in MLS. He guided Red Bull New York II to a title last fall so he understands how to coach winners. It helps too that his father is coaching great Bob Bradley.
After this Saturday’s contest vs Sporting KC, Bradley will have a lot of time to review what has been working and what hasn’t. The second half of the MLS season will prove that Bradley is a great coach and will prove that major success is in his future.