Red Bulls “Always Evaluating” Ahead of Opener

Red Bull New York will open the 2026 season on Saturday against Orlando City, unveiling the work of new head coach Michael Bradley as well as the work of the updated roster which has seen significant turnover in the off-season. The club missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009, adding pressure to the already demanding fanbase.

“We are always trying to evaluate our roster,” said Bradley when asked about his assessment of the team’s turned over staff. “I see the game as very connected. I don’t look at just defending by itself. I think how well you defend, and how good of a defensive team you are, is directly connected to what you do when you have the ball.”

A major change the club is facing in 2026 is a style of play that is less built on the chaotic energy of previous years. In the past, Red Bull relied heavily on young athleticism as opposed to technicality. With the additions of Cade Cowell and Jorge Ruvalcaba, New York can work with to build up in the attack whereas years prior saw the club obsessed with winning the ball but showing little in the way of how to handle the specifics in the final third.

That’s not to say the club hasn’t had their technical players. Striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg are veterans who crafted their game from a more technical system. In Leipzig, Forsberg worked with coaches who helped to refine the Red Bull high-press while Choupo-Moting honed his craft among the elites at Bayern Munich.

“What I’ve learned during the years is to maintain my body,” said Choupo-Moting when asked about how he manages the style with his years of experience. “How do we create an atmosphere of hunger, of motivation? To achieve as many goals as possible. We’ll do it step-by-step, game-by-game.”

It all starts on Saturday against Orlando City, a team that is also looking to prove themselves. Two years ago they were one step away from MLS Cup, thwarted by Red Bull in the Eastern Conference Final. As they enter season number 11, OCSC will hope to grab an early one and set back Red Bull New York’s rebuild effort.