Red Bull New York closed out the 2026 MLS season by treating supporters to a 3-0 win over Atlanta United FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Though Adri Mehmeti and Cade Cowell found the net and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty capped the victory with a sensational late free-kick golazo, the occasion belonged to veteran defender Tim Parker, who played the final match of his 12-year career.
The 33-year-old entered the match in the 90th minute to applause in his final career appearance.
Parker Thankful To Play Final Match in Front of Family, Red Bull New York Supporters
Following Saturday’s contest, Parker admitted that he was still processing the emotions of his final match. He was joined by his son Rory whom he carried while speaking to the media.
“There’s a lot of emotions and I feel like they probably all haven’t hit me yet,” Parker said outside the Red Bull New York dressing room. “Super thankful for everyone that’s reached out over the last couple of days, all the messages that I got, a lot of good advice too in terms of how to take in this moment.
“So, a lot of just thinking about, as the people that I played with texted me, as I saw guys pop up on that video board that I played with, it was just about thinking about the memories that I could have with those guys, taking them to the stadium for the last time, being with my family the last time. So, out there, it was just really cool.”
Parker concludes his five-year tenure with Red Bull New York with 129 appearances for the club across all competitions. He made 304 total MLS appearances in his 12-year career.
Michael Bradley Praises Parker’s Leadership
Head coach Michael Bradley saluted Parker’s on-pitch contributions as well as his dressing room leadership.
“Tim’s career speaks for itself,” Bradley said during Saturday’s postmatch press conference. “What he has given every team that he’s been on, his leadership, his presence, his quality, the way that he has with his teammates, we’re all really proud to have shared the year with him.
“Obviously, there’s guys in that dressing room who have been with him longer than just this year. But what Tim gave our group this year in terms of total selflessness, leadership, a positive energy and strong leadership every day. It was a really important part of our group and it set a really important example for everybody else. So we were really excited that we could get, that Tim could walk off that field one last time as a winner.”
Dylan Nealis Pays Tribute To Parker
Defender and fellow Long Island, New York native, Dylan Nealis reflected on the effect that Parker had on a young Red Bull dressing room.
“Maybe it wasn’t the easiest year for him in terms of playing time, but he showed up every day, smile on his face, pushed guys in a good way,” Nealis said. “Young guys looked up to him for questions, and he had answers, always had answers, and a lot of young guys in there looked up to him. It just speaks to his character. Just one unbelievable person.”
Given his impact on the dressing room and the growth of young players, it wouldn’t be surprising if Parker takes up a coaching role with the Red Bulls in the future.
Red Bull New York will close out the 2026 campaign with a postseason friendly against Club América at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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