HARRISON – With preseason matches finally wrapped up, Wednesday’s Media Day for Red Bull New York provided insight into where the team stands entering the 2026 campaign.
Even with some disappointing results throughout the past month, head coach Michael Bradley had a positive view of his team’s preseason.
“In terms of results, preseason can be strange,” Bradley said on Wednesday. “We used every minute of preseason in terms of training and matches to work on how we can be the best version of who we want to be and the football that we want to play and how we want to step on the field every single weekend… I’m really happy with the work.”
One of the first things Bradley was asked about on Wednesday was regarding the defense and how they performed throughout the preseason. However, the first-year head man provided a different point of view of the situation.
“I see the game as very connected. I don’t look just at defending by itself, I think how well you defend and how good of a defensive team you are is directly connected to what you do when you have the ball, how you attack, how well you counter press… when we talk about our football, our ideas, it is about being as complete as a team as possible.”
Further along the pitch, Bradley spoke highly of the new attack, which includes the likes of new designated player Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell.
“Cade and Jorge have come in and established themselves really well. We’re excited to have them and they have shown everybody the qualities that they have in terms of their speed, their ability to dribble, their ability to put opposing defenses on their heels. They have shown everybody the types of people they are, the way they are with their teammates, the way they train. That part fits into who we are and what we want to be in every way.”
Bradley further discussed the aforementioned Ruvalcaba and how determined he is to show people in the U.S. how good he is and his potential. Speaking of the transfer from Liga MX side UNAM Pumas, the 24-year-old is poised to become a fan-favorite. In a way, the winger was knowledgeable, humorous and could be the hardest working player on the pitch come game days.
“I always try to win,” the Red Bulls’ new DP said Wednesday. “I’m just a player that I’m going to give my all for our team.”
Of course, Ruvalcaba enters a league full of talented players occupying DP slots on their teams. His teammate Eric Choupo-Moting is one and of course, Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi is another one around the league.
“I think having the chance to compete with players like this is what makes you better,” Ruvalcaba said, adding, “For me it’s something that is exciting and I look forward to it.”
Other new signings such as goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and defender Robert Voloder were among the many who were given availability on Wednesday. For Horvath, it was a massive decision and opportunity to join the club from Harrison.
“It was just the right opportunity for my footballing career,” Horvath said. “This opportunity, out of all the options, gave myself the best opportunity to further along my career and where I wanted to go and for my personal development. This opportunity was kind of a nice chance to come back home to a big club like the Red Bulls.”
For Voloder, the defender battled a broken collarbone last season with Sporting Kansas City. Brought in to help the backline, the 24-year-old had a few goals in mind for 2026.
“First of all, stay healthy, that’s the most important part and to be able to help the team as much as possible,” Voloder said.
The Red Bulls open the season on Saturday in Orlando and will face Orlando City SC.
