Red Bull New York have returned to training for the remainder of the 2026 season and head coach Michael Bradley is focused on converting the early lessons learned into keys for success. The club sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, ending the first half having taken points in four consecutive games, with three of those being wins. Star youngster Julian Hall has emerged as a golden boot contender, Adri Mehmeti as a standout midfielder and several others showcasing their abilities next to seasoned veterans.
“I get my chance to shape the environment we’re trying to create,” said Bradley to the media about his young team and approach to coaching. “The team that we’re trying to build, of course there are little details, little things you can pick up on every day. With the second team last year, there weren’t any midweek games. So we were able to establish a rhythm and a way of working and training where it was week-to-week. Obviously, this year, with the first team and the way the schedule is set up, there have been periods, and there will be more periods, where games come thick and fast.”
That schedule congestion is something that Bradley and his crew will have to blend into their DNA. Not only will the second half see similar congestion, but the upcoming sprint season in early 2027 will present a similar challenge. The focus is currently on 2026, where one of the youngest clubs in MLS has surpassed many pundit expectations. Despite not making the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2025, Red Bull always has the ambition of competing for US Soccer’s biggest club prize.
To do that, it will require maturity from players like Julian Hall. The youngster has made it difficult for Bradley to keep him out of the line-up. At the age of 18, he has already scored nine goals in the season and leading a potent Red Bull offense. His own ambitions are clear as he looks to improve while also meeting the lofty expectations of the club and fans.
“I always strive for me,” said Hall to the media. “I had a decent first half of the season. I always want to do better. Especially for the second half of the season as we push for the playoffs.”
Red Bull will resume their season on July 22nd as they travel to Philadelphia to play the Union. Until then, the club will continue training and keeping an eye of former teammates as they continue their journey in the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
photo by Matt Kremkau