Red Bulls end MLS season on a high

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Adri Mehmeti #15 of the Red Bull New York celebrates scoring during the first half against Atlanta United FC (Photo by Howard Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Red Bull New York 3-0 Atlanta United

HARRISON, NJ–Red Bull New York capped off their season in style with a 3-0 home win over Atlanta United.

The hosts almost raced into an early lead when Julian Hall whipped a shot towards goal that had to be tipped behind by Jayden Hibbert to prevent the opener.

Miguel Almiron should have given the visitors the lead when he raced through on goal. All the Paraguayan had to do was find a corner, but his reluctance to use his right foot led to him awkwardly shooting and striking the post.

Ruvalcaba was next to go close in this matchup when the ball fell his way inside the area, the forwards effort was deflected inches wide and came so close to giving his side the lead. The Mexican had another chance immediately after but saw his effort denied strongly by Hibbert in the Atlanta goal.

On the half hour mark, Red Bulls would take the lead through talented teenager Adri Mehmeti. The youngster saw his prodded effort saved but got up to the rebound and showed great composure to round Hibbert and put the ball into the empty net, giving Michael Bradley’s side a crucial lead.

Red Bulls would double their advantage just seven minutes into the second half. The on-loan winger was picked out superbly by Sekou Kone and similarly to Mehmeti, took the ball round Hibbert and finished it off with some help from Tomas Jacob.

Rafael Mosquera, fresh off the bench was the next in line to round the Atlanta goalkeeper. The Panama international could not apply the same finishing touch as the previous two however, as his effort struck the post and went behind.

Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty scored his first Red Bulls goal in fine fashion and secured the three points for the hosts. A fine free kick from just outside the area sailed into the top right corner leaving Hibbert with no chance.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty #3 of the Red Bull New York celebrates his goal against the Atlanta United during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Julian Hall was left frustrated however, as he could not find his goal as he dragged another effort wide of the bottom corner when he should have done better.

Although there will be no playoffs for the Red Bulls, they ended their season with a bang and hope to take some of this positivity into next season.

New York will finish off the 2026 season with a friendly against Club America on Saturday, November 14 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.