Where we left off last year
2025 season: 43 points, 10th in the Eastern Conference, 18th in MLS
Where did we leave off? Well, with a broken streak, mostly. After making the playoffs for 15-straight seasons, the New York Red Bulls missed out in 2025. Of course, sneaking into the postseason as a low seed and losing at the first hurdle like they’d done in four of the previous six seasons wasn’t something to be proud of, either. No, change was needed for the Red Bulls. Without a playoff appearance or a shiny new Designated Player — though they sure tried and tried for Timo Werner — to act as a peace offering, that change arrived.
Let’s dig in.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Julian de Guzman, chief soccer officer: While not a true arrival, de Guzman was promoted from within to lead the front office following Jochen Schneider’s departure. Eager to zig where his predecessors have zagged, the Canadian hasn’t shied away from the idea of shifting RBNY’s tactical style — expect them to keep more of the ball this year, in a continuation of a trend from the last couple of years.
- Michael Bradley, manager: Another promotion, Bradley moved into the Red Bulls’ managerial post from his head coaching position with the club’s second team in MLS Next Pro after Sandro Schwarz was fired. Bradley, one of the best U.S. men’s national team players ever, served as an assistant with his father Bob at Stabaek in Norway before joining the Red Bulls’ organization last year. Now in his first head job at the first team level, Bradley is something of a mystery box.
