When Red Bull New York last met CF Montréal on March 8, the Red Bulls were shocked to a 3-0 defeat at Sports Illustrated Stadium despite owning 67.3 percent of possession.
After Prince Owusu scored an early penalty, former Red Bull attacker Wiki Carmona bagged a brace. It was a result that no one saw coming, as Montréal has been continually marred by internal chaos and supporter frustration.
Red Bulls Looking to Erase Memory of March Defeat
“It was a game very early in the season,” Red Bull New York head coach Bradley recalled during Friday’s media availability. “It was a game of moments. We started well, and they were able to get into our box. They get the penalty, obviously, referee goes to look at it, VAR told him to go look. He decided that in that moment, he was sticking with the original decision, obviously.
“Then we go down 1-0 early. We pushed the game pretty good for the rest of the first half, obviously, with their man marking, it’s a different kind of game at that time.
“Then right before half, we would give away the free kick over on the side where Wiki crosses, it goes all the way through. So it was a weird game, obviously, as we do always, we looked at it and talked about the things that needed to be better on the day. But at this point, it is long behind us. We’ve learned in a good way. We’ve improved, and we’re excited about another chance.”
Bradley and his players are out to prove that poor results like the Montréal defeat and a lopsided 6-1 road loss to FC Charlotte on March 21 are aberrations in an otherwise upward-trending season.
A recent 2-2 away draw against Lionel Messi and reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami was evidence that the Red Bulls can go to the most formidable of away venues, play their aggressive, front-footed style of football and get results against top opposition.
Bradley Focused on Building Long-Term Winning Identity
The first-year head coach is focused on the long-term process of building a winning mentality within his squad.
“We made sure that everybody understood the foundation that was being laid, that is being laid, and this is all early in the season,” Bradley explained.
“With a new team, with a young team, the part of continuing to grow, continuing to strengthen our identity, to understand who we are, how we want to play, every team goes through that and every player then has to understand that if we’re going to really be a different kind of team, a special team, in the end, then the part of being able to build something that can hold up in the toughest moments, that can endure that part that takes time.
“You don’t snap your fingers and have that magically appear. So again, we were honest with ourselves always, but also steady and positive to make sure that everybody felt good. Feels good about the direction that we’re going, because there’s a lot of really good things there.”
Robert Voloder Anticipates Different Challenge in Montréal Rematch
Defender Robert Voloder recognizes that both the Red Bulls and CF Montréal are in different situations than they were in their previous encounter.
Montréal fired Marco Donadel after the club sat in last place among all 30 MLS clubs after seven matches played. Interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy will take charge of Saturday’s match.
“We definitely looked at the past game we played against Montreal,” Voloder said. “Now it’s obviously also going to probably be a little bit different with a new coach. We can’t really tell if the system is going to change, we will be prepared for everything that can come to us. So, yeah, I think we are more than enough prepared for whatever way they want to play, and we’re going to come after them.”
Bradley Hails Julian Hall’s All-Around Impact
The electric form of teenage forward Julian Hall could cause all sorts of problems for Montréal’s back line. His seven goal contributions are tied for fifth-most in Major League Soccer.
“The goals, the assists, his ability to help us be a dangerous attacking team — that part has been really good, and we’re really excited by that,” Bradley said. “But it is his work against the ball as well. It’s how much he leads our press, how much he sprints, how much he chases, how aggressive he is, how he’s able to come from top down and really make things difficult on the other team’s midfielders.
“Julian has had a really good start to the season and has been a really complete striker for us.”
The Red Bulls will look to seize on Montréal’s instability in Saturday’s rematch. Kick off at Saputo Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
More Red Bull New York Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply