Bradley Focuses on “Good Things” in Week 1

Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley had much to smile about after his team’s 2-1 win over Orlando City in week 1. Not only did the club show off their exemplary youth roster with players like Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall, but they also showed a sustained style in the attack that hasn’t been seen by Red Bull in years.

“There were good things, a lot of good things,” said Bradley about whether his team delivered on the preseason message. “You can’t ever predict exactly how it’s going to go but we wanted to make sure that we showed our ideas, our personality, our football. For the first game there was a lot of good stuff.”

That “good stuff” started early when the young forward Hall scored the opening goal in the eighth minute. New signing Cade Cowell showed just how dangerous he can be running down the sidelines by creating many chances, including the one converted by Hall. Jorge Ruvelcaba on the other wing added his own flare to the attack as the club dominated the first 45 minutes.

While those bright moments certainly shined, it was dampened a bit by the club’s lack of finishing. Orlando was able to adjust in the second half, creating chances of their own. One goal less than 15 minutes into the second half, was called back due to a handball. At moments, the new defensive backline and goalkeeper appeared to give the ball away in dangerous places. Still, Red Bull stood strong and were able to overcome expected growing pains to get the win.

“We expected them to come out with a little more fire,” said Hall on Orlando’s response to the first half. “We always have to stay level-headed and realize there’s three points on the line. We did a good job of handling that.”

Next is a return home to snowy Harrison, New Jersey for an OG clash against New England Revolution. The early afternoon game will see the club show off their new style in front of their fans for the first in 2026.