Michael Bradley wants to build something special and long-lasting in his role as head coach of Red Bull New York.
Last weekend’s 2-1 season-opening victory in Orlando was the first brick placed in the wall of Red Bull success. Bradley seeks to form a solid structure for his team and New York’s supporters that will stand with the sturdiness of a brick wall.
On Saturday, Bradley and his players cemented the second brick in place by defeating the New England Revolution in front of 15,087 fans.
After the 38-year-old and his players treated onlookers to a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution, he reflected on what it meant to make his Sports Illustrated Stadium debut as head coach of the first team and his satisfaction in sending Red Bull supporters home happy.
Bradley on Sports Illustrated Stadium: ‘It’s a Unique and Special Stadium’
“It meant a lot,” Bradley stated. “This stadium is amazing. The stadium itself, the environment, the atmosphere. It’s a unique and special stadium.”
The experienced former United States national team star, who made 151 appearances for his country, was pleased to deliver an eye-catching brand of football that the supporters could be proud of.
“I’ve played a lot of games here, or I’ve been a part of a lot of games here as a player, typically, on the other end, with the national team, one or two where I got to experience the home support,” he continued. “But then I had my first taste last year of what it means to be on the right side of things in this stadium – and it’s amazing. So for the home opener, we wanted to make sure that we did everything we could to step on the field and to show the team that we want to be, and to show our football and to show our personality, and to make sure that everybody walking out of this stadium this afternoon leaves thinking to themselves that they got to come back.”
Fans who trekked to Sports Illustrated Stadium witnessed a team that played with pace, purpose and passion. Though Julian Hall scored the only goal of the match, he and his Red Bull teammates put New England under constant duress by fashioning bundles of chances in the attacking third.
Similar to New York’s victory against Orlando, the sheer amount of time that the Red Bulls spent in New England’s end of the pitch could have resulted in a greater margin of victory.
Latest Victory Is Proof of Red Bulls’ Growing Confidence
Hall and his teammates are feeding off the confidence that Bradley and the coaching staff place in them. That translates to belief on the pitch. Hall and his teammates understand the gameplan and their specific roles. So far, they’ve executed it to a tee.
“Yeah, it gives us a great amount of confidence,” Hall said. “You can kind of see it started in Orlando. Luckily, we played really well and Michael had a great game plan for us today, so just happy to get the win.”
The early signs are very encouraging for Bradley’s bunch. We’ll see if the momentum continues next weekend when the Red Bulls tangle with CF Montréal next Sunday.
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply