New York Red Bulls appeared to be on their way to another frustrating result on Thursday night, after hanging tight with a rotated squad against an experienced Chivas de Guadalajara team. Despite being the away team in their own home venue, Red Bulls pushed the Liga MX giants and almost found a goal from Mohammed Sofo in the second half. It wasn’t until a stoppage time free kick from captain Emil Forsberg that New York separated themselves and put the club in a good place heading into Sunday’s clash with Monterrey.
“It was so hard for us but everybody fought until the end,” said Forsberg after the game. “Very satisfied, very proud of the team, proud of everybody. Rafa (Mosquera) made his first start today, first big game. So people are taking steps all the time. I think for us as a team as well, this was an important win for us.”
New York accomplished this task with a heavily rotated squad. Players like Forsberg, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Daniel Edelman and starting goalkeeper Carlos Coronel were all on the bench at kickoff. Still, Red Bulls were able to play well by using youth, speed and training from the likes of Ronald Donkor, Rafael Mosquera and Julian Hall.
When necessary, Red Bulls knew they had weapons on the bench in times of need. One of those weapons was Forsberg, a player who has tremendous experience in European competition on both the club and international stage. It is in those moments that the Swedish attacking midfielder showed his class to give his team the lead and late win.
“When you are always in the game and you keep the focus, you keep the intensity, you have the chance to also win,” said head coach Sandro Schwarz. “It’s really a good feeling and not only for the result. More for our performance and intensity.”
New York may have won their first Leagues Cup game of 2025 but the road doesn’t get any less dangerous as Monterrey stands as their next test. The Mexican club will be desperate for a result after losing to FC Cincinnati last night 3-2. Anything less than a win could see them fall out of contention for the knockout round of competition. For Red Bulls, the advantage is with them. Currently they are one of eight teams that won their first game. They’ll need to continue this form in order to assure themselves passage as one of the four MLS teams that will advance.
photo by Matt Kremkau