New York Red Bulls facts for kids
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| Full name | Red Bull New York | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Red Bulls Metro |
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| Short name | RBNY, NYRB | |||
| Founded | 1994 ; as New York/New Jersey MetroStars |
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| Stadium | Sports Illustrated Stadium Harrison, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Stadium capacity |
25,000 | |||
| Owner | Red Bull GmbH | |||
| General manager | Marc de Grandpré | |||
| Head coach | Sandro Schwarz | |||
| League | Major League Soccer | |||
| 2025 | Eastern Conference: 7th Overall: 16th Playoffs: Runners-up |
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The New York Red Bulls are a professional soccer team from the New York metropolitan area. They play in Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of the Eastern Conference. The club started in October 1994 and played its first game in 1996. Back then, they were called the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. In 2006, the team was bought by Red Bull GmbH, a company known for energy drinks, and changed its name to the New York Red Bulls.
Since 2010, the Red Bulls have played their home games at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Before that, they played at Giants Stadium. They are one of two MLS teams in the New York area, with New York City FC joining in 2015. These two teams have a big rivalry called the Hudson River Derby. Other rivals include the New England Revolution and D.C. United.
The Red Bulls have made it to the MLS Cup final twice, in 2008 and 2024, but lost both times. They have won the Supporters' Shield three times (in 2013, 2015, and 2018). This award goes to the team with the best record in the regular season. They also reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup twice (in 2003 and 2017) and the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2018.
Contents
- Team History: From MetroStars to Red Bulls
- The MetroStars Era: Early Days
- Red Bull Takes Over: A New Beginning (2006–2009)
- New Stadium and Star Players (2010–2012)
- First Trophy and Mike Petke (2013–2014)
- Jesse Marsch and "Energy Drink Soccer" (2015–2018)
- Armas Era and Player Departures (2018–2020)
- Gerhard Struber Era (2020–2023)
- Sandro Schwarz Era (2024–Present)
- Team Names, Colors, and Badge
- Home Stadiums
- Team Culture and Fans
- Broadcasting Games
- Players and Staff
- Developing Young Players
- Team Achievements
- Team Records and Statistics
- Images for kids
- See also
Team History: From MetroStars to Red Bulls
The MetroStars Era: Early Days
The club was first called Empire Soccer Club. The name MetroStars came from Metromedia, a media company. They almost bought the rights to the famous "Cosmos" name, but decided not to.
Tab Ramos, the first player to sign with MLS, became the first MetroStars player. Other famous players like Tony Meola and Roberto Donadoni joined him. Giovanni Savarese became an early star for the team. Their first coach was Eddie Firmani.
In 1996, the MetroStars accidentally caused a stir by drafting players named Juninho and Túlio. Fans thought they were famous Brazilian players, but they were not! This funny mistake became part of the team's history.
Many expected the MetroStars to be a top team, but they struggled. In their first home game, a player accidentally scored an own goal, giving the New England Revolution a 1–0 win. Fans later called this the "Curse of Caricola" because the team never won a major trophy during this time.
In 1999, the MetroStars had their worst season ever, winning only 7 games. In 2000, they signed German star Lothar Matthäus. Even though he didn't play much, the team improved and won their conference. On August 26, 2000, Clint Mathis scored five goals in one game, setting an MLS record!
In 2003, Bob Bradley became the coach. He led the team to the U.S. Open Cup final. In 2004, the MetroStars won the La Manga Cup, becoming the first MLS team to win a trophy outside North America. They beat teams from Ukraine and Norway.
Red Bull Takes Over: A New Beginning (2006–2009)
On March 9, 2006, the Austrian company Red Bull GmbH bought the club. They changed the team's name, colors, and logo to "Red Bull New York." This change had mixed reactions from fans. Red Bull had wanted to start a new team in New York City, but it was easier to buy the MetroStars.
In 2006, Bruce Arena became the coach. The team signed star players like Claudio Reyna and Juan Pablo Angel. Young striker Jozy Altidore also became a rising talent. In 2007, the Red Bulls played against the LA Galaxy in a game that featured David Beckham, drawing a huge crowd of over 66,000 fans.
In 2008, Altidore was sold to a Spanish club for a record fee. The Red Bulls made an amazing run in the playoffs, reaching the 2008 MLS Cup final, but they lost to the Columbus Crew.
The 2009 season was tough for the Red Bulls. They had a 16-game winless streak. They also lost in the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League qualifying round. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio resigned, and Richie Williams took over as interim coach.
New Stadium and Star Players (2010–2012)
The 2010 season brought big changes: a new stadium, new leaders, and new players. On January 7, 2010, Hans Backe became the new head coach. The team moved into their new home, Red Bull Arena, winning their first game there against Santos FC.
In July 2010, the club signed legendary French forward Thierry Henry. A month later, Mexican international defender Rafael Márquez also joined. The Red Bulls were the first MLS team to have three "designated players" (star players whose salaries don't fully count against the team's cap). These new additions helped the Red Bulls finish first in the Eastern Conference. They also set an MLS record for the biggest improvement in one season. However, they lost in the playoffs.
In 2011, Henry became the team captain. The Red Bulls won the 2011 Emirates Cup, a friendly tournament in London. They made the playoffs but lost to the LA Galaxy.
In 2012, Australian World Cup veteran Tim Cahill joined the team. The Red Bulls made the playoffs again but were eliminated by D.C. United. After this, Hans Backe's contract was not renewed.
First Trophy and Mike Petke (2013–2014)
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In 2013, Mike Petke, a former MetroStars/Red Bulls player, became the head coach. This was a special moment for the club. Petke made changes to the team, bringing in experienced players like Juninho Pernambucano and Tim Cahill.
Petke helped the team play more aggressively. They went on a two-month undefeated streak and won the 2013 Supporters' Shield. This was the club's first major trophy! It also gave them the top spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
In 2014, the Red Bulls reached the Eastern Conference final but lost to the New England Revolution. After this season, Thierry Henry retired, and Tim Cahill also left the team.
Jesse Marsch and "Energy Drink Soccer" (2015–2018)
In 2015, Jesse Marsch became the new head coach. He wanted the team to play with a "high-pressure" style, which fans sometimes called "Energy Drink Soccer." This style involved pressing opponents hard all over the field.
In his first season, Marsch led the Red Bulls to their second Supporters' Shield. They made it to the Eastern Conference Final but lost.
On May 21, 2016, the team had a huge 7–0 win against New York City FC, tying an MLS record for the largest victory margin. Bradley Wright-Phillips became the club's all-time leading goal scorer. The Red Bulls also qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League knockout stage for the first time.
Before the 2017 season, Ali Curtis left as Sporting Director, and Denis Hamlett took over. The team sold captain Dax McCarty, which upset some fans. Young player Tyler Adams became a key player. The Red Bulls reached the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final but lost.
In 2018, the club had one of its most successful seasons. They won their third Supporters' Shield and reached the semifinals of both the MLS Cup Playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions League. In the Champions League, they made history by winning 2–0 in Mexico against Club Tijuana. Fans called these games "Tijuana Tuesdays."
Days before a big rivalry game, Jesse Marsch left to join another Red Bull team in Germany. Assistant coach Chris Armas took over. Marsch left as the most successful coach in the club's history.
Armas Era and Player Departures (2018–2020)
Armas continued the team's success, and the Red Bulls won their third Supporters' Shield in 2018. They set a new record for points in a season. However, they lost to Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bradley Wright-Phillips became the fastest player to score 100 MLS goals. He finished the season with 20 goals, becoming the first MLS player to do that three times.
In 2019, Tyler Adams was sold to RB Leipzig. The team struggled with Wright-Phillips being injured. They were knocked out of the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League and the MLS Cup Playoffs.
After the 2019 season, two club legends, Luis Robles (most games played) and Bradley Wright-Phillips (most goals scored), left the team. Sean Davis became the first academy player to be named captain.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Armas was replaced by interim manager Bradley Carnell. Young midfielder Caden Clark emerged as a new talent, scoring in his first few games.
Gerhard Struber Era (2020–2023)
Gerhard Struber became the new manager on October 6, 2020. He rebuilt the team, signing many new players. In 2021, despite injuries, the Red Bulls finished strong and made the playoffs for the 12th year in a row, but lost in the first round.
In 2022, the Red Bulls started the season by winning their first five away games, tying an MLS record. They also reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. They made the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 13th year in a row, setting a new league record for active streaks. However, they lost in the first round.
In 2023, Sean Nealis became captain. The team signed a new player, Dante Vanzeir, for a club-record fee. Vanzeir was suspended for six games for using a racial slur during a game. Fans protested, asking for more action against the player and coach Struber.
Struber left the club on May 8, 2023, after the team won only one of its first 11 games. Assistant coach Troy Lesesne took over. Lesesne helped the team improve, and they made the playoffs for a record 14th straight year. They won their first playoff game but were eliminated in the next round. Lesesne and other staff members were let go at the end of the season.
Sandro Schwarz Era (2024–Present)
On December 14, 2023, Sandro Schwarz became the 20th head coach in club history. Two days later, the Red Bulls signed Swedish international Emil Forsberg as a new star player. Julian de Guzman was named Sporting Director.
Forsberg was named the new team captain. On June 19, 2024, academy player Julian Hall became the club's youngest-ever goal scorer at 16 years and 87 days old.
Despite some struggles in the second half of the 2024 season, the Red Bulls qualified for the playoffs, extending their record streak to 15 years. They surprised many by beating the defending MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew, in the first round. They then defeated their rivals, New York City FC, in the Eastern Conference Semifinal. The Red Bulls reached their second-ever MLS Cup Final but lost 2–1 to the LA Galaxy.
After the 2024 season, the team made more changes, signing new players like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Tim Parker.
Team Names, Colors, and Badge
Fans often call the club RBNY (short for Red Bull New York) or "Metro," honoring the original MetroStars name. The club itself sometimes uses "Metro" in its marketing.
In their early years, the MetroStars wore black or white jerseys, then switched to red and black stripes. Since Red Bull took over, the team usually wears white shirts with red shorts at home. Their away kits have changed over time, including navy blue and yellow, and later all red. In 2024, they brought back a kit with red and black stripes, similar to the old MetroStars look.
Home Stadiums
The Red Bulls play their home games at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. This stadium opened in 2010 and can hold 25,189 fans. The first game there was an exhibition match against Santos FC, which the Red Bulls won 3–1. The first MLS game at the stadium was a 1–0 win over the Chicago Fire.
The Red Bulls have a great record at Sports Illustrated Stadium, earning it the nickname "The Fortress" because it's so hard for other teams to win there.
Before 2010, the team played at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, from 1996 to 2009. Sometimes, for U.S. Open Cup matches, they play at smaller stadiums like MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field.
| Name | Location | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Giants Stadium | East Rutherford, New Jersey | 1996–2009 |
| Columbia Soccer Stadium | Manhattan, New York | 1997; 1 match in U.S. Open Cup |
| Yurcak Field | Piscataway, New Jersey | 1999, 2003; 3 matches in U.S. Open Cup |
| Mitchel Athletic Complex | Uniondale, New York | 2000, 2002; 3 matches in U.S. Open Cup |
| Sports Illustrated Stadium | Harrison, New Jersey | 2010–present |
| MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field | Montclair, New Jersey | 2019, 2022, 2023; 3 matches in U.S. Open Cup |
Training Facilities
The Red Bulls have a training facility in Hanover Township, New Jersey, which opened in 2013. It has four soccer fields, including one with heating and one with lights. The main building has locker rooms, a gym, a therapy room, and a cafeteria.
In 2021, the club announced plans for a new, larger training facility in Morris Township. This new facility is expected to open in summer 2025.
Team Culture and Fans
Supporters Groups
The Red Bulls have several fan groups. The oldest is the Empire Supporters Club, formed in 1995. Other groups include the Garden State Ultras (GSU) and the Viking Army Supporters Club. In 2021, a new group called Torcida 96 was formed.
These groups sit in special sections of Sports Illustrated Stadium, known as the "South Ward." They organize trips to away games and hold tailgates before home matches.
Rivalries
The Red Bulls have a long-standing rivalry with D.C. United for the Atlantic Cup. They also have a rivalry with the New England Revolution, called the I-95 Derby. These rivalries come from the close locations of the cities.
In 2015, the Hudson River Derby began when New York City FC joined MLS. This created a new local rivalry. The Red Bulls won the first game between the two teams. In 2023, a trophy was created for the winner of the league meetings between the two clubs, and the Red Bulls won the first one.
Team Mascot
The New York Red Bulls introduced their mascot, REDD, on July 20, 2024. REDD is a fun, energetic red bull who entertains fans at games and around the New York area. He often wears sunglasses and a hat and skateboards around the stadium.
Broadcasting Games
For many years, Red Bulls games were shown on MSG and MSG Plus. Since 2023, all Red Bulls matches are available on MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. This service features many former Red Bulls players as commentators.
Players and Staff
Current Roster
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Players on Loan
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Retired Numbers
- 99 –
Bradley Wright-Phillips (forward, 2013–2019, 2022) - His number was retired to honor his amazing career with the team.
Club Legends
- Luis Robles - A goalkeeper who played the most games for the club.
Coaching Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head of Sport |  Jochen Schneider |
| Sporting Director |  Julian de Guzman |
| Head Coach | Sandro Schwarz |
| Assistant Coach | Volkan Bulut |
| Assistant Coach |  Vedad Ibišević |
| Assistant Coach |  Ibrahim Sekagya |
| Head Goalkeeping Coach |  Jeremy Proud |
| Head of Performance Analysis | Dominik Wohlert |
| Senior Performance Analyst | Daniel Fischer |
| Tactical Performance Analyst | Kyle Stump |
| Head of Scouting |  Sebastian Häusl |
| Head of Medical | Chris Moseley |
| Head of Player Personnel | Sam Goldberg |
| Director, Team Operations | Scott Bernstein |
| Head of Strength and Conditioning |  Tony Jouaux |
| Equipment Manager | Sean Ruiz |
Club Leaders
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Red Bull New York General Manager | Marc de Grandpré |
| Head of Red Bull Global Soccer | Jürgen Klopp |
Developing Young Players
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New York Red Bulls II
New York Red Bulls II is the Red Bulls' reserve team, started in 2015. They play in the USL Championship, which is the second level of professional soccer in the U.S. They play their home games at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field.
In 2016, New York Red Bulls II won the United Soccer League Championship, becoming the first MLS-owned team to win that title. Many young players from the Red Bulls' academy play for this team to gain experience.
Youth Academy
The New York Red Bulls Academy is a program that trains young soccer players for free. It gives them a professional environment to develop their skills. Many players from the academy have gone on to play for the main MLS team.
For example, Tyler Adams became the first academy product to play for the United States in a World Cup. The academy helps find and develop future soccer stars!
Team Achievements
Major Trophies
| National | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitions | Titles | Seasons | Runner-up |
| MLS Cup | 0 | – | 2008, 2024 |
| Supporters' Shield | 3 | 2013, 2015, 2018 | – |
| U.S. Open Cup | 0 | – | 2003, 2017 |
| Eastern Conference (Regular Season) | 6 | 2000, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 | 2001 |
| Eastern Conference (Playoffs)
Western Conference (Playoffs) |
2 | 2024
2008 |
2000, 2014, 2015, 2018
– |
Minor Trophies
- Atlantic Cup: 2003, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Hudson River Derby Cup: 2023
International Tournaments (Competitive)
- 2001 Copa Merconorte (Group stage)
- 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League (Preliminary Round)
- 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League (Group stage)
- 2016–17 CONCACAF Champions League (Quarter-finals)
- 2018 CONCACAF Champions League (Semi-finals)
- 2019 CONCACAF Champions League (Quarterfinals)
International Tournaments (Friendly)
- 2004 La Manga Cup (Winners)
- 2010 Barclays New York Challenge (Group stage)
- 2011 Emirates Cup (Winners)
Team Records and Statistics
- Most wins in a regular season: 22 (2018)
- Most points in a regular season: 71 (2018)
- Scored the fastest goal in MLS history: Mike Grella, 7 seconds (October 18, 2015)
- Best home record in MLS history.
- Most away wins in a row to start a season: 5 (2022)
Player Records
These records are for MLS regular season games only, up to March 9, 2019.
- Games played: 206 by Luis Robles
- Goals scored: 106 by Bradley Wright-Phillips
- Assists: 51 by Sacha Kljestan
- Shutouts (games without letting opponents score): 63 by Luis Robles
Top Goal Scorers of All Time
| No. | Player | Years | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bradley Wright-Phillips |
2013–2019 | 126 |
| 2 |  Juan Pablo Ángel |
2007–2010 | 62 |
| 3 | Thierry Henry |
2010–2014 | 52 |
| 4 | Daniel Royer |
2016–2021 | 50 |
| 5 | Clint Mathis |
2000–2003; 2007 | 45 |
| 6 |  Giovanni Savarese |
1996–1998 | 44 |
| 7 |  Amado Guevara |
2003–2006 | 39 |
| 8 | John Wolyniec |
1999; 2003–2010 | 36 |
| 9 |  Lewis Morgan |
2022–pres | 31 |
| 10 | Adolfo Valencia |
2000–2001 | 29 |
Bold means the player is currently on the Red Bulls team.
Team Captains Through the Years
| Name | Years |
|---|---|
| Peter Vermes |
1996 |
| Tony Meola |
1997–1998, 2006 |
| Tab Ramos |
1999–2002 |
| Eddie Pope |
2003–2004 |
| Amado Guevara |
2005, 2006 |
| Youri Djorkaeff |
2005–2006 |
| Claudio Reyna |
2007–2008 |
| Juan Pablo Ángel |
2008–2010 |
| Thierry Henry |
2011–2014 |
| Dax McCarty |
2015–2016 |
| Sacha Kljestan |
2017 |
| Luis Robles |
2018–2019 |
| Sean Davis |
2020–2021 |
| Aaron Long |
2022 |
| Sean Nealis |
2023 |
 Emil Forsberg |
2024–present |
Images for kids
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Sports Illustrated Stadium during a Hudson River Derby Match.
See also
In Spanish: New York Red Bulls para niños
