Red Bulls suffer defeat in World Cup return

CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 22: Cade Cowell of the New York Red Bulls celebrates with Emil Forsberg and Adri Mehmeti after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union on July 22, 2026 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Union 3-1 New York Red Bulls

CHESTER, PA–Red Bull New York were well beaten in their return to MLS action on Wednesday Night at the hands of Philadelphia Union, with a 3-1 full time score.

Cade Cowell found the leveler midway through the first half, getting his side back into the game.

The Union ended up scoring two second-half goals through Indiana Vassilev, and what was a first goal for his club from Neil Pierre.

The six-foot-six defender towered over everybody to nod in from Kai Wagner’s corner, who has recently returned from Birmingham City.

Ethan Horvath was forced into action on many occasions making seven saves. However, the 31 year old goalkeeper spilled a cross which left it on a plate for Milan Iloski to tap in which gave Union the lead.

For the Red Bulls goal, Emil Forsberg played a through ball into Cowell who coolly slotted into the bottom left corner.

This was Cowell’s second goal of the season and the winger has hit somewhat of a rich vein of form registering four goal contributions in his last five appearances.

It was Forsberg’s sixth assist of the season which took him to 22 overall in his MLS career.

“Coming to play Philadelphia, it’s going to be always a different kind of game,” stated head coach Michael Bradley post-match. “They want a game of chaos, and they want a game of long balls and second balls and loose balls, and they’re good at that.”

Red Bull New York return to Sports Illustrated stadium on Saturday Night to face Charlotte FC, who are off the back of a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. This gives Michael Bradley’s side the perfect chance to respond in the right way in front of their home fans.