New York Red Bulls chase fresh start as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leads new look attack into 2026

The Red Bulls have something to prove in 2026. Missing the playoffs last year was a tough blow, especially after struggling to score for long stretches. With major roster changes and a new head coach in place, the focus now shifts to whether a reshaped attack can deliver better results when the season opens against Orlando City.

At the center of the rebuild is Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who scored 17 goals last season and remains the team’s most reliable scorer. He has experience at the highest level, so he understands that teamwork takes time. With Ruvalcaba and Cowell now playing beside him, the focus is on getting comfortable together before the games really matter.

New York Red Bulls try to build strong connection in new attack

The Red Bulls want to play faster and keep more of the ball under new head coach Michael Bradley. That system depends heavily on how well Choupo-Moting connects with Ruvalcaba and Cowell on the wings.

“The most important thing is, I think that we have all the same idea and the same goal together,” Choupo-Moting told The Post. “It’s not about only me, that I have to be the best, the most goal scorer or whoever. It’s we are a team, and if we don’t work like that, we will not have the success that we want to have.”

Ruvalcaba called the chance to play alongside Cowell and Choupo-Moting “super exciting.” He previously faced Cowell in Liga MX, which adds familiarity. Cowell has already begun understanding his teammates’ movement inside the box and said that “sometimes I don’t have to look” when delivering a cross.

In preseason, Cowell assisted Ruvalcaba on a goal against Houston, showing how quickly the partnership could grow. Quick passes and smart runs behind defenders are expected to be key parts of the Red Bulls’ plan this year.

Choupo-Moting explained how he thinks ahead in those moments. “Me, as a striker, if I see a quick change of the side, I can already think a step ahead. Maybe that if Cade gets the ball, I have to be ready in the box,” he said. He also praised Ruvalcaba’s timing and awareness on runs toward goal.

New York Red Bulls focus on fixing defense and attack this season

While much of the attention is on scoring, the Red Bulls are still working to improve across the field. The back line remains a work in progress, and the club continues looking for more depth in defense.

“The part of becoming a good team, of building a team that can hold up on the hardest days, that is the work and that never stops,” Bradley said. “Yes, this season starts this weekend. We’re all really excited, but the part of now building a real team, the work never stops.”

The season opener will not answer every question, but it will show whether this new look Red Bulls team is ready to take a step forward.


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