With the 2026 Major League Soccer season starting soon, Orlando City is set to face a significantly transformed New York Red Bulls squad in the opening match, just over a day away. This New York Red Bulls preview explores the extensive roster changes the team has undergone, highlighting the challenges they will likely present to Orlando City.
Comprehensive Roster Changes and New Additions
Mark Fishkin, host of The Seeing Red Podcast, shares insights into the drastic revamp that the Red Bulls have experienced after missing the postseason in 2025—a first since 2009. The team saw the departure of many defensive mainstays such as Carlos Coronel, Noah Eile, Alexander Hack, Kyle Duncan, and Raheem Edwards, alongside midfield players Lewis Morgan, Daniel Edelman, Peter Stroud, and Wiki Carmona. To rebuild, Head of Sport Julian de Guzman has introduced a third Designated Player, winger Jorge Ruvalcaba, alongside former Youth MLS talents Cade Cowell, Justin Che, and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, complemented with promotions from Red Bulls II including Andy Rojas and Neva Benedetti.
Team Style and Tactical Expectations under Bradley
Fishkin predicts that under the guidance of Bradley, who led the Baby Bulls, New York will favor an energetic attacking style emphasizing possession, though it remains uncertain how aggressive “energy drink soccer” will be paired with ball control. The wingers Ruvalcaba and Cowell may pressure opponents high up the pitch, while Emil Forsberg’s role in holding midfield is expected to be pivotal in shaping the team’s performance.
Offensive Strengths and Road Game Challenges
The absence of a fully fit Lewis Morgan in 2025 was a significant setback for New York, which previously relied heavily on Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who scored 17 goals and contributed 4 assists last season. This year, the attacking wings are faster and more skillful, aiming to divide opposing defenders’ focus. However, the Red Bulls struggled on the road in 2025, securing only two wins out of 17 away matches, an area where improvement could be the difference between making and missing the playoffs.
Current Squad Health and Expected Starting Lineup
Forward Mohammed Sofo carries a minor ankle injury, but the rest of the roster is reportedly healthy ahead of the season opener. Fishkin’s projected starting XI, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, includes goalkeeper Ethan Horvath; defenders Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Justin Che, Robert Voloder, and Omar Valencia; midfielders Ronald Donkor, Emil Forsberg, and Gustav Breggren; and forwards Cade Cowell, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Jorge Ruvalcaba.
One noteworthy aspect is the likely presence of only a single natural center back, Robert Voloder, in the backline, indicating New York’s strategy to seize narrow, tightly contested victories.
Recent Form and Outlook for the Season Opener
The prelude to the match has been tense, as the Red Bulls lost all three of their preseason games by a 3-2 margin. Given this pattern and Orlando’s home advantage, many expect the visiting side to face a difficult challenge on matchday. Fishkin’s forecast suggests Orlando City will edge out New York with a 3-2 victory.
“The Red Bulls have completely overhauled the roster after missing the postseason last year for the first time since 2009. Departures include most of the back line (Carlos Coronel, Noah Eile, Alexander Hack, Kyle Duncan, Raheem Edwards) and midfield (Lewis Morgan, Daniel Edelman, Peter Stroud, and Wiki Carmona)… Head of Sport Julian de Guzman brought in a third Designated Player (winger Jorge Ruvalcaba), former Youth MLS players (Cade Cowell, Justin Che, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty) and a few RBNY II promotions (Andy Rojas and Neva Benedetti).” – Mark Fishkin, Podcast Host
“From what we saw with Bradley at the helm of the Baby Bulls, New York will likely play a dynamic attacking game with plenty of possession. The real question is just how much energy drink soccer Bradley will play while also holding the ball. Attacking wings Ruvalcaba and Cowell may press in the corners. Building around Emil Forsberg’s holding ability will help the Red Bulls’ cause.” – Mark Fishkin, Podcast Host
“Last season, the team sorely missed a healthy Lewis Morgan, and didn’t have the horses outside of Forsberg and Choupo-Moting (17g/4a). This year, the attacking wings are a lot faster and more skilled, and will make opposing defenses split their focus. Also: in 2025, the Red Bulls won just two of 17 road matches, a dreadful mark. Even two more road wins might be the difference of finishing above or below the line.” – Mark Fishkin, Podcast Host
Looking Ahead: Testing Limits Early in the Season
The significant roster changes and tactical shifts signal a fresh start for the New York Red Bulls in 2026, yet the upcoming home fixture against Orlando City sets a challenging tone. This match will reveal how quickly the team can gel and whether the new additions can overcome the hardships from last season’s road struggles. With the season opener just around the corner, both teams are motivated to claim early points in what promises to be an intense opening battle.
