You probably think the "Curse of Caricola" is some dusty piece of MLS trivia that doesn't matter anymore. Honestly, if you're a New York Red Bulls fan, you might wish that were true. But as we look toward the next massive clash of NY Red Bulls vs New England, those ghosts are still very much wandering the halls of Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Soccer in the Northeast isn't like soccer anywhere else in the States. It's grittier. There's this weird, unspoken tension that dates back to 1996, when the league was basically playing a different sport with 35-yard shootouts and countdown clocks. The history between these two isn't just about points; it’s about surviving the weight of three decades of "almosts."
A New Era in Harrison: The 2026 Shift
The Red Bulls are currently in the middle of what people in the front office like to call a "strategic pivot." That's basically code for: we missed the playoffs for the first time in 15 years and had to fire everyone.
Losing the longest active playoff streak in North American sports back in 2025 was a gut punch. It wasn't just a bad season; it was an identity crisis. Now, as they prepare for the February 28, 2026, opener against the Revolution, the vibe is... tense.
Sandro Schwarz is gone. Michael Bradley—yes, that Michael Bradley—is now at the helm, and the roster looks like a construction site. Daniel Edelman is off to St. Louis. Carlos Coronel? His contract expired, and he’s gone too. John McCarthy is likely the man between the sticks now. It’s a lot of change to process before facing a team that knows exactly how to ruin your weekend.
The Revolution’s Youth Movement
While New York is busy rebuilding the house, New England is basically inviting the kids to take over the living room. Coach Marko Mitrović has leaned hard into the academy. Just look at Cristiano Oliveira. The kid is 17, from Somerville, and he’s already been signed to a four-year Homegrown deal after tearing it up in MLS NEXT Pro.
New England is betting on the "Pro Player Pathway." It’s a gamble, sure. But when you’ve got a 17-year-old Brazilian-American who scored a game-winner in his U.S. Open Cup debut, you play him.
The Revolution finished 2025 just below the Red Bulls in 11th place. They weren't good, but they were excitingly bad, if that makes sense. They had a -7 goal differential compared to New York’s +1. In a weird way, the Revs felt like they were building something, while the Red Bulls felt like they were collapsing under their own history.
Head-to-Head: The Stats That Actually Matter
When you look at the all-time record, it’s closer than New York fans would like to admit.
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- New York Red Bulls: 18 wins
- New England Revolution: 14 wins
- Draws: 8
But those numbers don't tell you about the 20-match winless streak New York had at Gillette Stadium. They don't tell you about the 2014 Eastern Conference Championship when the Revs supporters basically took over Red Bull Arena.
In 2025, the two teams split their meetings in a way that perfectly summarized their seasons. In March, New England took a 2-1 victory at home. By July, the Red Bulls fired back with a chaotic 5-3 win in Harrison. That 5-3 game was a mess. Pure MLS after dark energy. Eight goals, zero defensive structure, and everyone left the stadium feeling like they needed a nap.
Key Players to Watch in the Next Clash
- Emil Forsberg (NYRB): He’s the captain and the only real "superstar" left on this roster. If the Red Bulls are going to beat New England, it has to come through him. He’s 34 now, and his legs aren't what they used to be, but his vision is still elite.
- Brooklyn Raines (NER): The Revs snatched him from Houston, and he’s expected to be the engine in that midfield. He’s young, fast, and exactly the kind of player that gives New York’s high-press system nightmares.
- Robert Voloder (NYRB): The new German center-back signing. He’s coming into a system that demands a high line. If he doesn't gel with Sean Nealis immediately, New England's wingers will have a field day.
The Performance Center Factor
One thing nobody is talking about—but should be—is the new RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center in Morris Township. It’s an 80-acre monster of a facility.
Why does this matter for a game against New England? Because for years, the Red Bulls' biggest edge was their infrastructure and fitness. They out-ran people. In 2025, that edge vanished. With this new facility opening up for the 2026 season, the hope is that the "energy drink soccer" philosophy can actually be physically sustained again.
What to Expect on Game Day
If you’re heading to Sports Illustrated Stadium on February 28, don't expect a tactical masterclass. It’s February in New Jersey. It’ll be cold. The ball will bounce weirdly on the grass.
New York will try to press high under Bradley because that's the DNA. They'll try to force New England’s young defenders into a mistake in the first 15 minutes. New England, on the other hand, will likely sit back and wait for Oliveira or Raines to spark a counter-attack.
Honestly? It’ll probably be a draw. These two teams are like mirrors of each other right now—both trying to figure out if their "new era" is actually a fresh start or just more of the same.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Goalkeeping: With John McCarthy likely starting for NYRB, keep an eye on his distribution. He’s a shot-stopper, but the Red Bulls need a keeper who can initiate the attack.
- Check the Weather: Early season games in Harrison are notorious for wind. High-pressing teams like the Red Bulls often struggle if they can't control the long ball in gusty conditions.
- Monitor the Kids: If Marko Mitrović starts more than three Homegrowns for New England, expect a high-variance game. They will make brilliant plays and then immediately give the ball away in the defensive third.
- Follow the Bradley Effect: See how much the Red Bulls' shape changes under Michael Bradley. If they look more disciplined and less "chaotic" than the Schwarz era, they might actually have a shot at the top four this year.
To get the most out of the upcoming season, start by tracking the remaining preseason friendlies for both squads. Pay close attention to the partnership between Sean Nealis and Robert Voloder in the Red Bulls' backline, as that duo will be the primary factor in whether New York can keep New England's young attackers at bay.