Red Bull New York captain Emil Forsberg spoke about the club’s slow start in 2026, focusing particularly on the difficulties in adjusting to the new playing style and the younger roster. Many notable veterans have departed the club since last year’s failure to make the MLS Cup Playoffs. Players like Peter Stroud, Daniel Edelman, Kyle Duncan, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile and Lewis Morgan have moved on, giving the club a new feel that requires time for adjustment.
“I think we’re playing a totally different way this year,” said Forsberg before the weekend’s game against FC Dallas. “We have a lot of young, new, players and we’re trying to get everybody going. I feel that we are on the right path, for sure. We have stuff we need to improve. I remember I sat with you guys, I think it was one month, two months ago after a game and said: We concede too many early goals. I still feel that’s a topic for us that we have to improve.”
Over the years Red Bull has been known for their staunch defense. Last season, even thought they failed to make the playoffs, they only allowed 47 goals. In 2026, the club has already surrendered 25 over just 12 games. That shocking number has not gone unnoticed as players and coaches have addressed the need for change.
Where that change comes from is a question. Head coach Michael Bradley has stated that the club won’t make significant changes to their formation. There is also little in the way of a consistent pattern of concession. Midweek’s loss in the US Open Cup to rivals NYCFC saw them surrender three set piece goals. Other times we’ve seen Red Bull players make lapses in passes or defensive clearances.
“We had a very hard loss on Wednesday,” said Forsberg about the cup loss. “Tomorrow is a chance for us to get back up and we have to prove ourselves. For our fans to get these three points.”
While it may seem as though Red Bull have had league difficulties, sitting in 11th place at the moment, the club is only three points out of fifth place. A win this weekend could see the club not only climb back into the playoff picture but also perhaps separate themselves from a stacked middle of the Eastern Conference. To do that they’ll need to stop an FC Dallas team that is also in bad form having gone winless in their last four league games.
“It’s going to be a physical game for us. We’ve got to be ready for that. It’s a chance for us to prove ourselves and that we take stuff in the right direction.”
photo from Matt Kremkau