Red Bull New York’s difficult stretch of the schedule continued Wednesday night as the Red Bulls fell 2-0 to LAFC at BMO Stadium.
New York entered the match looking to manage a busy period that has included significant travel, with head coach Michael Bradley rotating his lineup and giving opportunities to several younger players. Despite the changes and a handful of injuries during the match, Bradley said he was proud of the way his team competed against one of the league’s top sides.
“I am extremely proud of the way that they went after the game, the way they competed, the way they tried to step on the field against a good team in a difficult place to play, and put the game on our terms,” Bradley said.
The Red Bulls finished with eight shots and just one on target, while LAFC recorded 15 shots and forced Ethan Horvath into six saves.
LAFC opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Heung Min Son’s initial effort was saved by Horvath. The rebound fell toward the penalty spot, where Jude Terry was waiting. Terry struck a one-time right-footed shot into the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Horvath continued to keep New York within reach throughout the match, making six saves as LAFC generated consistent pressure.
The Red Bulls were also forced into several early adjustments. Adri Mehmeti was substituted in the 33rd minute, with Sekou Kone entering the match to make his MLS debut. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty later came on for Devin Padelford, but Bradley said the defender was unable to continue shortly after entering.
Justin Che also had to leave the field for several minutes late in the match, adding to an already challenging night for New York.
Still, the Red Bulls continued to compete and attempted to push the game forward despite the setbacks.
“We are disappointed to not be able to come away from this game with any points,” Bradley said. “We understand that we have to continue to get better and continue to be more concrete in some of the big moments of the game.”
Wednesday was a particularly memorable night for Dennis Nelich, who made his MLS debut and first career MLS start. The young winger played the full 90 minutes in his first appearance with the first team.
“I’m blessed to make my debut,” Nelich said. “Obviously, it was a very cool opportunity to do it here in LA. Unfortunate to not get the result we wanted, but I’m just happy that I played the full game and helped the team out.”
Nelich has spent the season developing with Red Bulls II and said the club’s academy and second-team coaching staff played a major role in helping him reach the first team.
“I give credit to every academy coach that I’ve ever worked with, and even Dom (Wohlert), especially giving me all these minutes this season, helping me build my game more and more,” Nelich said. “I’m really grateful for him too.”
Bradley has also been impressed with Nelich’s progression since joining the club as a teenager.
“Dennis is a good, young player that has moved himself in a really good way over the last year and a half since I have been at the club,” Bradley said. “In this last period, he has been one of the best players for the second team in terms of what he gives, in terms of how he helps the team press.”
For Nelich, making his debut alongside teammates he has become close with during his time around the first team made the moment even more meaningful. He specifically credited Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall for helping him transition into the group.
“They’ve helped me out a lot ever since I’ve started training with first team,” Nelich said. “They’ve kind of been the ones that have brought me into the group, so I give big thanks to them.”
LAFC eventually put the match out of reach in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Ryan Hollingshead combined with Yevhen Cheberko down the left wing before Hollingshead delivered a cross toward the top of the box. Armindo Sieb collected the ball, took a touch and fired a left-footed shot into the top-left corner to make it 2-0.
The result drops New York to 7-11-6 with 27 points on the season, while LAFC improves to 11-7-7 with 40 points.
Despite the loss, Bradley singled out Che and Julián Bazán for their performances during what has been a demanding stretch.
“Justin Che and Julian Bazan have been incredible in this last period, incredible,” Bradley said. “The way that they compete, the way that they play, the way that they defend, the way they put out fires, their leadership, their mentalities, they have been immense.”
New York will have little time to dwell on the defeat, with another road match coming Saturday against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field.
