Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET
Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass – free for all MLS games in 2026), Red Bulls Radio (English)
An early Eastern Conference rivalry clash kicks off Week 2 as the New England Revolution travel to face the New York Red Bulls in the Red Bulls’ 2026 home opener. New York enters with momentum after a Week 1 win, while New England looks to bounce back from an opening defeat. Under new head coach Marko Mitrović (Revs) and Michael Bradley (Red Bulls), both sides aim to establish early form in a competitive East.
Weather Updates
Predicted conditions: Clear skies, high around 44°F (7°C) during the day dropping to low 26°F (-3°C) by evening kickoff and night. Winds light (5-10 mph, possibly SW), no precipitation expected. Chilly temperatures typical for late February in the Northeast could favor physical, low-scoring play with emphasis on set pieces, aerial duels, and ball control in the cold. Field at Sports Illustrated Stadium expected to be firm; potential for some wind chill near the Hudson River.
Team Context
- New England Revolution (0-1-0, Eastern Conference): Opened with a 4-1 road loss at Nashville SC (Feb. 21). Under new coach Mitrović, they focus on structured build-up and defensive solidity after a tough 2025.
- New York Red Bulls (1-0-0, Eastern Conference): Strong start with a win in their opener at Orlando City SC (Feb. 21). Bradley’s reset emphasizes high pressing, youth integration, and home dominance after missing playoffs in 2025.
Recent Team Forms (Last Match – Week 1)
Revolution: 0-1 (4-1 loss at Nashville). Struggled defensively (conceded early and often), limited chances created, and poor finishing. Need to tighten organization and counter better on the road.
Red Bulls: 1-0 (win vs. Orlando). Solid performance with control in midfield, clinical finishing, and clean sheet. High press effective; showed promise in Bradley’s system.
Injury Report
New England Revolution:
- No major reported absences post-Week 1. Full squad availability expected for key players (Giacomo Vrioni, Carles Gil if fit, DeJuan Jones, etc.). Minor knocks possible after travel/loss, but no long-term issues noted.
New York Red Bulls:
- No significant new injuries from opener. Core group (Dylan Nealis, John Tolkin, Lewis Morgan, Emil Forsberg if retained/available, etc.) expected fit. Bradley’s squad depth strong with youth promotions.
Both teams relatively healthy early in season; check final reports closer to kickoff for any travel-related issues.
Key Player Matchups
- Giacomo Vrioni (Revs forward) vs. Sean Nealis / Andrés Reyes (Red Bulls CBs): Vrioni’s hold-up and finishing test New York’s backline; Red Bulls’ physicality could limit service.
- Carles Gil / Ema Boateng (Revs creative mids) vs. Frankie Amaya / Daniel Edelman (Red Bulls midfield): Battle for control—Gil’s vision vs. Red Bulls’ pressing intensity.
- Lewis Morgan / Dante Vanzeir (Red Bulls wings/attack) vs. DeJuan Jones / Brandon Bye (Revs fullbacks): Red Bulls’ wide threats exploit flanks; Revs need defensive discipline.
- Set Pieces & Pressing: Red Bulls excel at high press and counters; Revs vulnerable to transitions after Week 1.
Series History
The Atlantic Cup rivalry remains heated. Recent meetings favor New York (e.g., 5-3 Red Bulls win in last H2H at home). Red Bulls strong at Sports Illustrated Stadium vs. New England historically (multiple wins/cover in recent years). Games often competitive, with goals from counters/set pieces; totals vary but trend toward 2-3 goals in cold conditions.
Betting Trends
- Red Bulls strong home openers; unbeaten in recent home starts.
- Revolution poor early road form (struggles in openers/early season).
- H2H often Under 2.5 or low-scoring in February (cold weather impact).
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) hit in ~50% of recent meetings; Red Bulls clean sheets possible at home.
- Red Bulls ~60% implied win probability; value on home side early season.
MATCH ODDS
New England Revolution + 295
New York Red Bulls – 130
Draw + 280
Over 2.5 – 145 Under 2.5 + 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
