The first two weeks of Red Bull New York’s 2026 season have been a joy for many who follow the club.
Realistically, few outside the club thought they would be able to start the way they have. With two victories to begin their new campaign, fans have enjoyed the way the club have played under new head coach Michael Bradley.
Under Bradley, the club has been led by some unique but talented teenagers who are showing the league what they are made of. Forward Julian Hall is tied for first in Major League Soccer (MLS) in goals with three alongside LA Galaxy’s João Klauss. Hall’s partner in crime
, Adri Mehmeti, has also been a great story so far with his two assists and his excellent play on the pitch.
While the extraordinary jump for both teenagers has been fun to watch, what about the club’s two highly regarded signings of the offseason?
During the offseason, New York brought in wingers Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell from Liga MX to bolster their attack. Through two matches, there’s been a lot to like and things that could be adjusted for the two attackers.
In general, both forwards have been unable to find the back of the net so far. Now, there is some leeway in the fact that it’s only been two matches so there’s time. Plus, other key pieces like designated players in Eric Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg still haven’t scored.
If you look at the stats, Hall’s three goals on the season are Red Bull’s only three goals.
Cowell, for his part, has contributed with him being a part of Hall’s first goal of the season vs Orlando City SC. Cowell delivered an incredible pass to Forsberg, who then found Hall for the score.
In Bradley’s 4-3-3 formation, Cowell has been relentless, dynamic and flashy in moments.
Yes, against backlines like the ones Orlando and the New England Revolution brought out, Cowell should have scored. This is especially true vs Orlando where the club had 13 shots on target. Three of Cowell’s five shots vs Orlando were on target.
Again, Cowell has done fairly well on the right side of the pitch so his first goal with Red Bull is in sight. It wouldn’t be a shocker if the 22-year-old scores on Sunday vs a bad CF Montréal club.
Ruvalcaba scoring his first goal for Red Bull isn’t out of the question either come Sunday. Montréal through two matches this season have already conceded a league-worst eight goals. In a way, that club regrets moving now Red Bull defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty away from their backline.
Back to Ruvalcaba, he did show some promise in New York’s first couple of matches. It’s just a matter of time before he finds the back of the net. Right now, it’s still an adjustment period for the former Pumas attacker.
This goes to say that it’s too early to say anything negative about these two talented players. Considering the club has been one of the best stories in the early portion of the season, there’s nothing to worry about right now.
Come Sunday, expect a lot of other players to contribute to the scoreline. Great performances from Cowell and Ruvalcaba should boost their confidence moving forward.
