Red Bull New York have now seen their playoff hopes slip massively after a 3-2 loss in New England on Wednesday night. The same pattern repeated itself with the club surrendering an early goal, before the 10th minute, and then missing key chances to take maximum points after drawing level in the second half. Now, the club sits precariously under the playoff line with both of their remaining games as must-wins in order to stand a chance.
“It’s a frustrating one tonight,” said Bradley after the game. “It’s a night where all of the things repeat themselves that have come up over the course of the season. We give away an early goal. A little bit out of nothing where, as the game is settling in, they are able to make a little bit of a play and make it a shot from outside the box.”
Red Bull dug themselves a hole early in the second half, trailing 2-0 but showed the perseverance that head coach Bradley has celebrated all year long. First it was Cade Cowell, who has not produced on the stat sheet as expected in 2026, followed by Julian Hall in order to draw level before the 70th minute. That hope was dashed in the 83rd minute when Daniel Gazdag scored, sending the hopes of avoiding back-to-back playoff disappointment into question.
Two games remain for New York, both of which are rather difficult. The first is against a Nashville SC team that is looking to make history by matching the all-time point record in their final two games. The last is a do-or-die scenario where a win may be necessary in order to qualify at all against Atlanta United.
“You have to be able to be there in the decisive moments,” said Bradley about his team’s standing in the Eastern Conference. “When you do all the work to create big chances in the box, then you have to score them. You have to finish plays off.”
That could spell the end of Red Bull should they not find the formula to convert in their last two games. Much rests on Saturday’s results, not just for New York but also Toronto and Columbus Crew who are also chasing the last spot. Anything less than a win against the best team in MLS, could mean elimination before the final game of the 2026 campaign.
photo by Matt Kremkau