Red Bull New York battled to a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Cameron Harper scoring a late equalizer in his first goal since returning from a long-term knee injury. The result moved New York to 7-9-5 with 26 points.
Harper entered as a second-half substitute and made an immediate impact, scoring in the 86th minute to bring New York level. Both teams finished with 12 shots, with the Red Bulls putting six on target.
“It’s been a long road from last June to now,” Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley said. “For him to come on the field tonight and make such a difference, and score a really, really good goal, I’m really happy for him. He deserves that.”
Second-Half Changes Spark Red Bulls
New York entered halftime trailing and made several changes to inject some energy into the match.
Bradley said the Red Bulls struggled to find their usual rhythm in the opening 45 minutes.
“We just felt like we needed energy,” Bradley said. “We needed fresh legs on the field so that we could really try to tilt the balance in our favor, step up, go after them in more aggressive ways, and ultimately put the game on our terms.”
The Red Bulls were more aggressive after halftime, winning the ball in better areas and putting more pressure on Chicago.
“We won balls in better spots, which then leads to being sharper,” Bradley said. “When you do lose it, you have a little more energy to counter press and win the ball back quickly. In the end, it’s all connected.”
Justin Che echoed Bradley’s assessment, saying New York was more composed with the ball after the break.
“I think second half was a little bit better,” Che said. “We had some better ideas on the ball. Final third, a little bit more calm. The players that also came in, they brought something to the game.”
Harper’s Return Provides Emotional Moment
For Harper, the equalizer was about more than just earning a point. The winger had been sidelined for roughly 14 months after suffering a major knee injury, making his first goal of the 2026 MLS season and the 13th of his MLS career, a major moment in his return. It was also his second career goal against Chicago.
“My first goal back for 14 months, it’s not been easy, if I’m honest,” Harper said. “It’s been pretty tough the last year or so.”
Harper admitted he had doubts during his recovery, which included setbacks.
“To get a goal and honestly just to check that off is just a crazy good relief,” Harper said. “It was everything I could ask for.”
The goal was also particularly meaningful because Harper’s father was in attendance for the first time in a long while.
“Honestly, just relief,” Harper said. “I think I just need to celebrate moments like these.”
Julian Hall was among those celebrating Harper’s return.
“We’re all super proud of him and how he’s shown resilience to come back and just put his head down and work,” Hall said. “He’s super deserving of scoring tonight.”
Red Bulls Look to Build Momentum
The result ended a two-match losing streak for New York and kept the Red Bulls unbeaten in five of their last six home matches against Chicago. New York is now 16-14-16 all-time against the Fire.
Chicago opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Jonathan Bamba found Viktor Radojevic down the left side. Radojevic sent a cross into the box for Maren Haile-Selassie, who curled a right-footed shot into the top-right corner.
New York found its response late. In the 86th minute, Omar Valencia found Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting at the top of the box. Choupo-Moting dribbled past three defenders before crossing into the six-yard box, where Harper finished into the top-left corner.
The goal also marked the first MLS assists of the season for both Valencia and Choupo-Moting. Choupo-Moting has now recorded a goal contribution in back-to-back matches against Chicago.
Ethan Horvath made four saves for the Red Bulls.
Matthew Dos Santos said the late equalizer could provide momentum as the Red Bulls continue through the final stretch of the season.
“The point today was big for us, especially coming off two losses,” Dos Santos said. “To get that late goal and be able to come out at home with a point against a good side was important for us.”
New York knows there is still work to do, particularly in front of goal and defensively.
“It’s the little things now,” Dos Santos said. “We’re doing well as a team. We’re doing our ideas. We’re creating chances. It’s just finishing them off and then tidying some stuff at the back to be able to get those three points.”
For the Red Bulls, Saturday’s draw provided a much-needed point and a memorable moment in Harper’s long-awaited return.
