Michael Bradley will demand solutions from the New York Crimson Bulls, who host Charlotte FC on Saturday after a disappointing return to MLS motion after the World Cup hiatus.
The Crimson Bulls misplaced 3-1 on Wednesday to the Philadelphia Union, who’ve gained simply one in every of their first 15 video games this yr, with Ryan Richter serving as interim head coach.
They sit in eighth place within the Jap Convention forward of Saturday’s essential matchup with Charlotte, which at present occupies the ultimate automated playoff spot with solely a lead in aim distinction.
“Subsequent time we play a sport like this, we’re not going to let frustration be a precedence,” Bradley stated after the loss to Philadelphia.
“We’re not going to really feel sorry for ourselves, we’re going to ensure we’re prepared to reply on Saturday evening.
“We have now an opportunity to compete towards Charlotte at house in a really sturdy means, and that is the best way it’s.
“As at all times, we’ll have a look at some issues and ensure we will study and enhance and perceive how we will get higher.”
closing. pic.twitter.com/RDTCNwdJCK
— Crimson Bull New York (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 23, 2026
Charlotte led 2-0 halfway by means of their first sport again towards Atlanta United, however have been pulled again in a disappointing 2-2 draw.
Dean Smith’s aspect accomplished the blockbuster signing of Allan Saint-Maximin throughout the World Cup break, however he’s nonetheless awaiting his debut after becoming a member of up together with his new team-mates late.
The previous Newcastle United winger can also be unlikely to function towards the Crimson Bulls, however Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood understands the significance of getting him on top of things rapidly.
“Sure, we want him to come back in. That is the essential factor. We’d like him to come back in rapidly,” stated the previous Aston Villa midfielder.
“We’d like numbers and he is a prime participant. I performed towards him at Newcastle and he is simply an electrical, direct, goal-threatening participant, so that may undoubtedly assist in a sport like tonight.”
Featured gamers
New York Crimson Bulls – Emil Forsberg
Forsberg scored his first aim of 2026, establishing Cade Cowell’s opener towards Philadelphia, and recorded his fourth help of the season. No NYRB participant has scored extra targets for a teammate in MLS this season (together with 4 assists for Ronald Donkor).
Nevertheless, Forsberg is -1.59 under his primary anticipated targets, scoring 1 aim from 2.59xG, which is the ninth worst overperformance in MLS this yr.
Charlotte FC – Kristijan Karina
In keeping with Opta’s Anticipated Objectives on Goal (xGoT) numbers, Karina has conceded 2.8 extra targets than anticipated primarily based on the standard of her photographs this season.
Nevertheless, this yr, there are solely eight goaltenders in MLS with a save proportion higher than his 70.9%.
Match Prediction – New York Crimson Bulls Victory
The New York Crimson Bulls misplaced the primary sport after the World Cup was suspended, however had gained three of 4 video games at first of the suspension interval.
They usually have solely misplaced one in every of their final 5 house video games relationship again to early April (W2 D2).
Charlotte did win 6-1 within the comeback sport in March, however they’ve solely gained one in every of their six away video games (D1 L4) all season, together with losses in every of their final three video games.
Odds of profitable OPTA
New York Crimson Bulls – 43.4%
Charlotte FC – 29.9%
Draw – 26.7%
