New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz has urged his side to “look forward” after their US Open Cup exit.
The Red Bulls were beaten 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the competition after defeat to the Philadelphia Union, who they face next in the MLS this weekend.
With just two victories in their last nine league matches, the Red Bulls occupy 10th in the Eastern Conference, sitting just outside the playoff places on goal difference.
And Schwarz believes there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his team as they look to bounce back from their midweek defeat.
“We have to look forward,” said Schwarz. “I said this to our players, when you are playing such a [big] fight with all these games on Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, I can’t be angry.
“Of course we are disappointed with the result, but the way we played with all these young guys in the starting lineup who came from the academy or the second team in Philly was really, really good.
“You know me. I normally can analyse everything and go into detail, but now it is not the moment. It is not the moment now to be angry or anything like that, it is more important to have focus.
“Clear focus [on the] next target. Now our schedule is good. Next is Philly in our stadium, and we will see what happens on Saturday.”
Running it back at our house. #RedRunsDeep @DriveToyota
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) August 14, 2025
Philadelphia, meanwhile, are top of the Eastern Conference after going on a five-match unbeaten run in the league.
Despite dropping points late on against Toronto FC last time out, they remain two points clear at the top of the division.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York Red Bulls – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been important for New York this season. The striker leads the club with 15 goals, which is tied for the third highest in the league.
His winning penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time on Sunday was the latest match-winning goal in a regular-season match in team history. It was also the eighth winning goal scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time or later this MLS season.
Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo
Tai Baribo has been a talisman in front of goal for Philadelphia, netting on 15 occasions, including four match-opening goals. He is tied-third for goals scored in the league in 2025.
Baribo both scored and assisted in the Union’s 3-2 win over the Red Bulls in the US Open Cup this week and will be keen to make his mark once again against the Red Bulls.
MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN
Philadelphia are unbeaten in 12 straight regular-season matches against the Red Bulls (W8 D4) dating back to 2020. This is the Union’s longest regular-season unbeaten run against any opponent in their MLS history.
The Union conceded an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time against Toronto, the league-leading third time Philadelphia has failed to win a match it led entering stoppage time this season.
New York’s 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake was their ninth home win of the 2025 regular season, equalling the Union, Nashville SC and Charlotte FC for the most in MLS in 2025. The Red Bulls haven’t won 10 home games in a single regular season since totalling a club-record 14 home wins in 2018.
In their last six league matches, New York have won two, drawn one and lost three. Philadelphia, meanwhile, have won three, drawn two and lost one in their last six.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York Red Bulls – 41.2%
Draw – 26.7%
Philadelphia Union – 32.1%