Red Bulls II starts their run in the MLS Next Pro Playoffs against Carolina Core

The Two Team is ready for their first challenge in the playoffs

East Hanover, NJ-New York Red Bulls II are ready to go under Head Coach Michael Bradley as they prepare for their first playoff match in MLS Next Pro, as they host the Carolina Core at Montclair State University’s soccer park. This will be a strong challenge for the club, and hoping for a long run into the final.

Delivering a strong message

Michael Bradley talked to his team during training and let them know they must come into this match with a strong game plan and continue to play their best after such a brilliant regular season. They must go out there and show the league why they were one of the top sides in MLS Next Pro.

“We’ve played a full season with a really young, talented group. And so it means that on some days, you play against teams that are a little bit older and a little bit more mature, in some cases, a little bit more physical, but we’re going to step on the field in the biggest games and go for it, try to play our football, and try to do all the things that we’re good at, and try to do all the things that we work on every day, and try to really enjoy the part of playing in games where the spotlight comes on a little brighter,” said Bradley.

The team’s progress

Since the change of the Head Coaching position that began with Ibrahim Sekagya (Who is now with the first team’s coaching staff), till the hiring of Michael Bradley, it felt like the new coach had continued what the old coach did. Nothing has changed, and the two teams finished near the top of the East.

“We’ve taken really big steps. I’m happy, really happy with that part. Obviously, coming into a team just about halfway through a season that was doing really well. It was never going to be a case of all of a sudden, turning things upside down overnight.

But we tried to keep so many of the things that the group was good at, and then as we went on, we added little bits, added some of my ideas, and the players deserve all the credit in the world, because they have taken it all on in a really good way. And I think we’re a group that has continued to improve every single week over the course of the season. So that part is, is really nice to see.”

Carolina Core has a good coaching staff

This is one of the two current independent teams the club will face in the playoffs. Obviously, they are managed by two well-known former international players. Donovan Ricketts of Jamaica, and former MetroStars/NY Red Bulls creative midfielder, and Honduras International Amado Guevara. This side will be a tough customer for sure.

“Good team, very organized, well coached. Donovan Ricketts and Amado Guevara and their staff have done a really good job, and we have huge respect for them. So it’s a team, again, that is very clear in their ideas, their system. And so we’ve spent a good time preparing for them, and we know that it’s going to take a big effort on Sunday night, and we need to be at our best.”

Facing an older team

These young and talented prospects for the Two Team are going to face an older side who have done well. The players are well aware of what’s in front of them and the challenges that they are facing when they step on the pitch.

“They’re a good team, of course, they made playoffs, but they’re also an older team, so it’s going to be about competing and rising to the occasion, and then ultimately, let our quality show through. And ultimately, if we do that, we shouldn’t have an issue getting a result,” said Red Bulls II Midfielder Nate Worth.

This is a big moment for the club. Facing a tough side in the playoffs, at the same time, continuing their trajectory after a wonderful regular season. Their run in the playoffs starts now.

New York Red Bulls II News:

• Red Bulls II Ready for Decision Day before starting their playoff run
• Breaking News: Michael Bradley Is Officially Named New York Red Bulls 2 Head Coach
• Andy Rojas Called in to Costa Rica for World Cup CONCACAF Final Round Qualifiers

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