The New York Red Bulls face a pivotal road match Wednesday, looking to hold on to the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as they take on the second-place New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass.
While rookie coach Michael Bradley’s side looks to break away from a playoff race featuring three teams within three points of each other fighting for two wild-card spots, the second-place Revolution (17-10-4, 55 points) under fellow rookie coach Marko Mitrovic, are hoping to secure the next-best finish behind Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC.
In their first meeting this season in February, the Red Bulls (11-14-6, 39 points) prevailed 1-0 in an impressive start. Since then, young talents and recent U.S. men’s national team debutants Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti have improved, with the 18-year-old Hall leading the team with 11 goals and five assists.
In addition to the USMNT teenagers, Ghanaian midfielder Ronald Donkor has hit a strong run of form with four assists in the last four games, including one in last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Inter Miami.
“We hope that the best game is the next one,” Bradley said of the playoff hunt after beating the Herons. “That’s our mentality right now. We’re happy and feel good about what went into this one, but for where we are in the season, for what’s on the line and for how tight things are, we’re going to do everything to make sure that the next game is even better.”
For the Revolution, Wednesday’s match is a chance to extend their win streak to four after victories against FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire FC and the Philadelphia Union. Spanish midfielder Carles Gil leads the group with 13 goals, in front of Israeli striker Dor Turgeman, who has enjoyed a breakout campaign with 10 goals.
It also marks the final run of regular-season games for veteran defender Andrew Farrell, who announced Monday that he intends to retire at the end of the season.
“There’s still a lot to accomplish this season,” Farrell, 34, said after announcing his retirement. “This year’s coaching staff has been amazing, even in this transition, this next chapter of my life. It’s been an honor to be working alongside and be a part of this team.”
After Wednesday’s match, both teams will have two matches remaining in the final push for the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs.
–Field Level Media
