As the pomp and circumstance came to Sports Illustrated Stadium, celebrating the playoff run from last season that won the club the Eastern Conference Championship, but sadly lost the MLS Cup, The New York Red Bulls were excited to open up their new home schedule with their fans. A big moment was to see this club with their new players, along with their current ones to get their first goal and first win of the season.
Out of nowhere was news that Lewis Morgan wasn’t in the starting eleven, nor was he on the bench to be a substitute later in the game. We found out that he suffered a bit of a knock in training the day before the match and that he was given a day off to make sure they have him for the rest of the season. So who was going to be the one to replace Morgan for the home opener? Red Bulls Two striker Mohammed Sofo, who finally got a chance to play in an emergency situation.
“So I came in today and had a conversation with coach, and he told me that I was starting tonight, so personally, I was ready to play so when he told me I was playing it wasn’t a shock because mentally I was ready to play.” said Sofo.
Once the referee blew his whistle to start the match, Sofo looked confident and energetic. But in the seventh minute he put himself in great position to convert his first MLS goal, after Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting hit the far post. Sofo collected the rebound and tucked it inside the back post and celebrated with the Red Bulls crowd.
“I mean honestly, I was waiting for this moment for a very long time. (Scoring his goal) I was working very hard. I didn’t know when the chance would come, but I’m always ready for it. How do I even describe this moment? But I’ll just say I’m happy for this moment.”
I really don’t have to tell you how important this moment was for the club. All the hard work that Sofo showed during his time with Red Bulls Two is not about just doing well and trying to win titles, but to get these young players ready and prepared for the big club when they are ready to make that move to MLS level. Sometimes having too much of a good thing can cost them as certain players leave to join other clubs either in MLS, or below at the USL level.
When Red Bull does get it right, you can see what these players can do. Where their talent level gets them and take the advantage when it is presented to them. This was a great moment for Sofo getting ready for the match, not being nervous or not looking out of place when finding out he was getting the surprise of his life to be up top with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. He was calm, cool, and collected. Once the match got started, he was prepared for the moment.
This was just another example of what Red Bull is doing with young players, to get them ready and prepared to battle on the big stage. Starting at Sports Illustrated Stadium, scoring your first MLS goal, and doing it in front of all the fans who wanted to get their first victory of the 2025 season. Congratulations Mohammed, you did great for your first seventy eight minutes of MLS action.