New York Red Bulls come into 2025 with all the momentum, despite losing the MLS Cup Final to the LA Galaxy, the club is hopeful to break their trophy-less streak as they will compete in four different competitions. Head coach Sandro Schwarz spoke about the motivation as the club will return to the US Open Cup and will participate in the Leagues Cup, MLS regular season and MLS Cup Playoffs should they qualify.
“We have the chance to play four finals,” said Schwarz to the media. “It’s a big opportunity and we only have the focus for MLS, Open Cup, Leagues Cup, MLS Cup Final and Supporters Shield.”
The team is bolstered by a few bigger names that joined the club in the off-season. Defender Alexander Hack joins to bolster the defense while Eric Maxime Choupo-Moting is looking to be the attacker the club has desperately needed since the departure of Bradley Wright-Phillips. On top of what the club built in 2024, there is a renewed sense of excitement around training as the club prepares for the Coachella Valley Invitational this week.
Schwarz, who is riding high off of his success last season, still knows that there is work to be done if the club is to reach their lofty goals. Disappointment is something that has haunted the club since it’s inception 29 years ago and Red Bull hopes to put an end to fan misery with a cup in one of the competitions they compete in.
“We are very satisfied,” said Schwarz about the condition of his team heading into preseason. “Some new guys, some guys with more experience, some young guys from our academy, they made it through the first team training camp very well. It’s good To be here, to be back at work, to stay all day, every day together and to work out if we can continue our development that we can continue our process from the first year.”
That excitement has also tricked down to the players. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel may be looked upon now as one of the veteran leaders following the departure of John Tolkin and Ryan Meara. The Paraguayan keeper battled hard in 2024, earning his way into his national team for the Copa America. He’s now looking to continue that effort in 2025 as he heads into the final year of his contract.
“Last year was close,” said Coronel. “The expectations for these things, I think, is very high. Thinking very high for the defense but the players also. It will be a long season for us. But expectations are very high to win trophies and also to make the finals again.”
photo by Matt Kremkau