As the 2026 MLS regular season winds into its final stretch, Ethan Horvath has put in some commanding performances to keep Red Bull New York in the hunt for an MLS Cup playoff berth.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has stepped up his game by recording clean sheets in two of his last three matches for the 10th-place Red Bulls.
Most recently, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado native made three saves in the Red Bulls’ 1-0 road victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Horvath Raising His Play at a Crucial Point in the MLS Season
“Ethan’s had a really good week,” Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley said following the win at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
“It can be very important. When you think about playing in big games, the margins are tight. So you need guys in every part of the field who are ready to make plays. So that part is great to see with Ethan.”
Horvath was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 24 after he made six saves in a scoreless draw against Seattle Sounders FC on September 5. His 87 saves rank ninth overall among MLS goalkeepers in 2026.
With nine regular-season matches remaining, Horvath’s play will be an important factor in whether the Red Bulls punch their playoff ticket.
Friday’s Hudson River Derby Has Major Playoff Implications
The pressure will be high on Friday when the Red Bulls visit Yankee Stadium to face Hudson River Derby rivals New York City FC.
If Horvath and his teammates are able to earn three points in the Bronx, the Red Bulls would move ahead of NYCFC, who currently occupy eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.
There were questions about his consistency earlier in the season when he conceded some preventable goals, but his confidence and shot-stopping prowess have risen when it matters.
Horvath’s Importance Growing as Playoff Race Heats Up
The 6-foot-4 netminder joined the Red Bulls on a free transfer from Cardiff City of the EFL Championship in late January.
“Ethan brings a tremendous amount of experience and professionalism to our group,” Red Bull New York head of sport Julian de Guzman said in January. “He has competed at the highest levels, and his leadership will be invaluable for our locker room and our goalkeeping unit as a whole.”
To complete the deal, Red Bull New York sent $75,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money, $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money and the highest of RBNY’s second-round draft picks in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft to Charlotte FC in exchange for Horvath’s discovery rights.
Should Horvath keep providing stability between the sticks and help guide Red Bull New York into the postseason, no one will be questioning his value.
The Red Bulls and the Pigeons are scheduled to kick off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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