Schwarz: “The Next Final Will Come”

New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz was complimentary of his team’s performance in yesterday’s MLS Cup Final despite the result and truly believes that more finals are in his team’s future. The first-year MLS coach guided a Red Bulls team, that many counted out midway through the season, to their first MLS Cup Final in 16 years. Unfortunately the outcome wasn’t what they expected but the young group gained even more experience to take into 2025.

“When you think about this final, you think this chance will never come (again),” said Schwarz post-game. “I think the next chance, the next final will come. It starts today, to learn about that, to feel. That is an experience in this final and then to have a clear direction.”

Tactically that direction has been clear. While formations have changed, Schwarz has shown that his team is comfortable to do what is necessary game to game. Whether that means ceding position and playing for 50/50 chances, or attempting to create through their star midfielder Emil Forsberg, Red Bulls have shown their adaptability and process that differs greatly from the norms across the league. That translated into playoff results as the team hopes to grow on their success.

“The mentality that we have, it just showed us what kind of quality we have,” said captain Emil Forsberg after the game. “Today wasn’t the best day, to be honest but I’m very proud of the boys. How we attacked this game. How, after the first 20 minutes, we went after it. We had some chances. I’m very disappointed and angry but I’m still very proud of the team and what we achieved.”

That achievement can’t be understated while also acknowledging that the club has experienced heartbreak in various forms throughout their history. This time, the feeling is different, as the club has maintained a core group of players and surrounded them with veterans that have history with winning at teams that are gritty, much to the style that the team has developed.

2025 should be a continuation of that growth and a doubling down of the same mentality that worked so well in knockout game scenarios. Nothing is guaranteed in Major League Soccer and the Red Bulls have been in this position before. The follow-ups have been lackluster at best. 2009 saw the team not qualify for the playoffs losing to Columbus in the final. However, there is a vibe surrounding the club that lacked in those other years and a determination, as opposed to a desperation, that has engulfed the culture of the club.

“The culture and the identity from Red Bull and the whole club is great,” said Schwarz. “This is what I saw after 15 minutes, to come back, top (level).”

Now comes the offseason storm that the Red Bulls will have to manage quickly. Expectations are that roster announcements will be made within the next 24 to 48 hours and the MLS Expansion Draft will put much of their work at risk. The new incoming team, San Diego FC, will have a chance to pluck some of Red Bulls’ young talent while they are still licking their wounds from this dramatic loss.

Combined with that is the realization of recent rumors. Eric Choupo-Moting is expected to join the club in January as well as rumors of a new left back to supplement the already deep position. Expectations are that news will move fast as the team is less than a month away from returning to preseason and gearing up for the 2025 MLS Cup season.