Red Bull New York earned a vital three points over defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami on Saturday night at a packed Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The Red Bulls pulled off a 2-0 victory, playing with the desperation needed to stay ahead of the chasing pack in a tight race for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
“I thought from the first second until the last second, we pushed the game in a really strong way,” Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley said following the win. “I thought we played really good football. We pressed really well.”
The victory propelled New York back into playoff position, moving into ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Red Bull New York’s Aggressive Press Sets the Tone Against Inter Miami
The Red Bulls’ aggressive press caused all kinds of problems for Inter Miami’s backline in the first half.
New York put Miami on the back foot in the early minutes, causing Casemiro to concede an own goal. The Red Bulls could have gone into halftime with a greater lead than 1-0 given their 11-4 shooting advantage and the amount of dangerous chances they generated throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Lionel Messi began the match on the bench after he returned from a transatlantic trip to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain.
The 39-year-old Argentine legend replaced Riquelme Fillipi in the 56th minute.
Emil Forsberg Looks Ahead to New England Revolution Clash
Red Bull New York captain Emil Forsberg sealed the victory with an 91st-minute goal, capitalizing on a feed from fellow substitute Cameron Harper.
“Mentality-wise, the way we fought for each other and grinded out was important for us, like I said, as a team as well, to get these three points and now we go on for Wednesday,” Forsberg said.
“I’m here for the team to win, that’s the most important thing, so that’s why I’m focused on Wednesday now.”
Tim Parker replaced the injured Justin Che and helped New York see out a clean sheet.
“Yeah, Tim has been a true pro and a real leader in every sense of the word,” Bradley stated. “This season certainly didn’t start in a way that he would have hoped, but he didn’t bat an eye. He continued to work really hard, train really well, push the guys around him, and in this last period, he has been there. That part is incredible to see.”
Red Bull New York will next travel to Foxborough to face the New England Revolution on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on Apple TV.
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