Red Bull New York forward Tanner Rosborough has taken great strides since joining the club’s academy in 2022.
The 18-year-old’s development and work rate have earned him the trust of head coach Michael Bradley, who has brought the United States youth international into the Red Bulls’ first team.
Rosborough has appeared in five of six MLS matches in his rookie season. With each passing week, he’s gaining valuable lessons from Bradley and established veterans like Emil Forsberg, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Cade Cowell.
The promising teenager spoke exclusively to South Ward Central ahead of Red Bull New York’s highly anticipated Saturday night matchup with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
In hoping to guide Red Bull New York back to the MLS Cup playoffs, Bradley has constantly drilled feedback and useful tips into the ears of Rosborough and his teammates on the training ground.
“Every day it’s like do this and do this and do this – get these key concepts into our brains,” Rosborough told South Ward Central. “I just think that’s helped me take a big step as a winger – whether that’s runs off the edge or dribbling inside and playing faster.
“Receiving it out wide, facing my hips inside, the timing of my runs, which foot I’m taking the touch with, keeping the speed – just a bunch of different things. Those are just his key core values. Even just the work rate of everything, there’s no margin for – I’ll take this play off. It’s like go-go-go push yourself, and obviously it translates onto the field fitness-wise.”
Learning Under Michael Bradley
Bradley’s attention to detail and passion for the game are evident every time he speaks, whether he’s instructing his players or engaging in discussions with the media.
Early into his era in leading the Red Bull first team, Bradley has become known for his inspiring halftime team talks and emotional post-match speeches.
Rosborough and his teammates understand that every word that Bradley delivers is filled with deep meaning and purpose.
“It’s very different from most coaches,” he explained. “It’s very calming, but it’s very meaningful; it’s a very meaningful speech when he’s talking. Especially after those big wins, it’s a very great environment.
“Even after losses, there’s so much encouragement that you get from Michael. Obviously, it’s tough to lose, but when you have a coach who constantly is looking for the positives and trying to bring the bright side out of stuff, and that’s not to say like he doesn’t hold us accountable because he holds us very accountable as well, he understands that those things happen. When you come back from losing 6-1, and then you win 4-2, [it’s] just a super fun environment to be in.”
Rosborough has benefited from Bradley’s wide-ranging experiences as a well-traveled former pro who played in the German Bundesliga, Italy’s Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, Major League Soccer and captained the United States on the biggest of stages.
Influence of Ibrahim Sekagya at Red Bulls II
Former Red Bull New York II head coach and current first team assistant Ibrahim Sekagya also played a key role in molding Rosborough from a raw talent into a confident, assured forward.
“When I got the second team, Ibra had to really shape me up for the pro game,” Rosborough recalled. “He was very impactful. He was always very helpful for me, but he was also [telling me to] keep pushing.”
Through 41 MLS Next Pro regular-season appearances (26 games started), Rosborough has scored 15 goals and recorded three assists.
Last summer, Bradley took charge as Red Bulls II head coach after Sekagya was promoted to a full-time first team assistant coaching role.
“He gave me a lot of opportunities early that I think were super important for my development,” Rosborough said of Sekagya.
“He was a huge part of that journey, and then obviously Michael came in, and my game just took another step just learning under someone who’s so experienced, [a former] captain of the national team. He just has a ton of great ideas.”
Close Bonds Formed During 2025 MLS Next Pro Championship Run
Bradley took Red Bulls II forward by building on the foundations that Sekagya had put in place. Last November, the 38-year-old coach led the reserve side to its first-ever 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup championship by defeating Colorado Rapids 2.
For Rosborough, the deep bonds formed with his Red Bulls II teammates went beyond cultural and language barriers. He and his teammates developed closeness and camaraderie.
“That team was a very, very close team,” he remembered. “Obviously, you have so many different language barriers, but I think we got as close as a team that we could, even with those language barriers.
“You had guys speaking English who are hanging out outside of training with guys who are speaking Spanish. Our bond was super close, and I think that was a huge reason why we won the championship and just the sheer fact that we were all for each other.”
Learning From MLS Veterans
Rosborough’s fast adaptation has fast-tracked him into the Red Bull New York first team. He’s now soaking up advice from Forsberg, Choupo-Moting, Cowell, Gustav Berggren and Cameron Harper.
“Chupo, Emil, but even other guys on the team like Gustav’s very experienced, Cam Harper, Cade Cowell, obviously he has a ton of experience,” Rosborough said. “I have a very similar profile to him so he’s another good guy to learn under.
“It’s just been a lot of very good teaching moments, little things, but it’s like what are those little things that I can do to play just a little bit quicker, a little bit sharper. That’s been a big takeaway from them.”
Looking Ahead To Bigger Opportunities
Most recently, Rosborough had the opportunity to impress in a 21-minute appearance during New York’s 4-2 home win over FC Cincinnati last Saturday.
He made several accurate passes into the final third and helped the Red Bulls see out the victory.
“You don’t have much time, but you have to try and show yourself in some way,” he said. “You go out there, you want to make a positive impact, work hard, make a positive impact, help your team get the win.
“It’s fun being out there. Obviously, I’m striving for more, pushing to try and become a starter. Just those getting those 20 minutes on there gives a nice taste of what there is to play for and what more opportunity there is.”
Rosborough has given Bradley, the coaching staff, teammates and supporters a sampling of what he has to offer. His quality on the ball and off the ball is clear and growing.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Bradley makes greater use of Rosborough in upcoming matches, as starting with the away trip to Inter Miami, the Red Bulls will play three matches over a span of 12 days.
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply