New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution: Lineups & Formation

HARRISON, NJ – The New York Red Bulls kick off their 2026 Major League Soccer season at home this Saturday, February 28th, hosting the New England Revolution at Sports Illustrated Stadium. This highly anticipated match marks the beginning of a new campaign for the Red Bulls, following a promising preseason and a recent victory to start the season. The game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on Apple TV in both English and Spanish, with radio coverage available through the Red Bull New York app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.

New York enters the contest with a 1-0-0 record and 3 points, having secured a 2-1 win against Orlando City SC on February 21st. The Revolution, are looking for their first win of the season, currently holding a 0-1-0 record with 0 points. This will be the 88th regular season meeting between the two Eastern Conference rivals, with New England historically holding the advantage in the series with a record of 37-33-17. Still, the Red Bulls have found success on their home turf, boasting a 26-9-9 record against the Revolution at home throughout franchise history, including winning their last four matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Red Bulls have a strong home record against New England.

Red Bulls Lineup and Tactical Approach

Head Coach Troy Lesnick is expected to deploy a dynamic lineup, building on the momentum from the opening-day victory. Forward Julian Hall, who scored a brace in the win against Orlando City, is poised to lead the attack. Hall’s impressive performance makes him a key player to watch, having become the fifth player in MLS history to score multiple goals in a single game at 17 years or younger. Alongside Hall, Cade Cowell and Lewis Campana are likely to feature in the forward line, providing pace and creativity. Emil Forsberg will orchestrate play from midfield, utilizing his vision and passing range to create opportunities for the forwards. The midfield will also feature Adri Mehmeti, who has shown promise in recent matches. The defensive line will be anchored by Dylan Nealis and Justin Che, tasked with containing the Revolution’s attacking threats. Ethan Horvath will start in goal, bringing experience and shot-stopping ability to the team.

The Red Bulls are expected to employ a high-pressing system, aiming to win the ball back quickly in the opponent’s half. This aggressive approach, combined with their attacking talent, could prove difficult for the Revolution to handle. The team’s formation is anticipated to be a 4-2-3-1, providing a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. The versatility of players like Jorge Ruvalcaba and Ronald Donkor will be crucial, allowing the team to adapt to different situations during the match. The Red Bulls’ recent form suggests they are well-prepared for this encounter, and their home advantage will undoubtedly provide a boost.

New England Revolution’s Challenge

The New England Revolution will face a tough test at Sports Illustrated Stadium. They currently sit 13th in the MLS standings, and are looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season. The Revolution’s lineup is expected to feature a strong midfield led by Giacomo Vrattoli and Noel Buck, aiming to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Forward Bobby Wood will be tasked with leading the attack, utilizing his pace and finishing ability to threaten the Red Bulls’ defense. The Revolution’s defense, anchored by Omar Gonzalez, will need to be at its best to contain the Red Bulls’ dynamic attacking players. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrović will be crucial in preventing the Red Bulls from finding the back of the net.

The Revolution’s tactical approach is likely to be more conservative, focusing on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. They will need to be disciplined in their defending and clinical in their finishing to stand a chance of securing a positive result. The Revolution’s head coach, Caleb Porter, will be hoping his team can disrupt the Red Bulls’ rhythm and exploit any weaknesses in their defense. However, the Revolution have struggled in recent matches against the Red Bulls, and they will need to overcome their historical struggles to earn a victory on Saturday. According to ESPN, the Revolution will be looking to improve their defensive record after conceding several goals in recent encounters.

Key Players to Watch

Several players are expected to play pivotal roles in this match. For the Red Bulls, Julian Hall’s recent form makes him a standout performer. His ability to uncover the back of the net will be crucial for his team’s success. Emil Forsberg’s creativity and passing range will also be key to unlocking the Revolution’s defense. On the New England side, Bobby Wood’s pace and finishing ability pose a significant threat. Giacomo Vrattoli’s control of the midfield will be vital for the Revolution’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game. The performance of these key players could ultimately determine the outcome of the match.

Recent Form

• Red Bull New York: W-L-W-W-L (Last five matches)
• New England Revolution: L-L-W-L-D (Last five matches)

The recent head-to-head record favors the Red Bulls, even though the matches have been closely contested. The last five meetings between the two teams have seen a mix of results, with both sides enjoying victories. The Red Bulls won the most recent encounter on July 16, 2025, with a score of 5-3. Prior to that, the Revolution secured a 2-1 victory on March 29, 2025. The historical data suggests that these two teams are capable of producing exciting and unpredictable matches.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Fans can catch all the action live on Apple TV, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Callum Williams will provide play-by-play commentary on the English broadcast, alongside analyst Giovani Savarese. Bruno Vain will lead the Spanish-language broadcast. Red Bulls Radio, presented by Sports Illustrated, will also provide live coverage, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, hosted by Matt Harmon and Steve Jolley. Fans attending the match at Sports Illustrated Stadium are encouraged to plan their transportation in advance, as there may be disruptions to PATH service. Free shuttle buses will be available from Newark, Harrison, JSQ (Essex St), and Grove St. To facilitate travel to the stadium.

The Red Bulls currently rank 3rd in the league with 3 points, while the New England Revolution are in 13th place with 0 points. This match represents an important opportunity for both teams to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings. A victory for the Red Bulls would further establish them as contenders, while a win for the Revolution would provide a much-needed boost to their season.

The next update regarding team lineups and potential injuries will be available approximately one hour before kickoff on the Red Bulls’ official social media channels. Fans are encouraged to follow @NewYorkRedBulls on X for the latest news and updates. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below!