Red Bulls Overpower Nashville in Home Opener

Published: Saturday, March 1, 2025

by Thomas Kvalø

HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls (1-0-1) delivered a dominant performance in their home opener, defeating Nashville SC (0-1-1) 2-0.

The Red Bulls struck first after just seven minutes. New signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting worked the ball into the box and hit the post with his shot. The rebound fell to 20-year-old Mohammed Sofo, who scored his first RBNY goal.

Sofo only learned he would be in the lineup a couple of days ago after Lewis Morgan was injured in training. Coach Schwarz was asked about Morgan’s timeline and said, “I hope that Lewis is coming back in the next two to three weeks, maybe next Saturday. We will see.” 

After the early goal, the Bulls continued to control the game but did not create many big chances, aside from a few runs from Sofo and Cameron Harper.

That changed in the 30th minute when captain Emil Forsberg attempted a shot that deflected off Sofo’s back and bounced to the left. The ball landed at the feet of Omar Valencia, who passed it back to Forsberg outside the box. The Swede took a shot and curled it into the top right-hand corner, extending the lead to 2-0.

After the game, he described it as the “best goal I’ve scored so far.”

Right before halftime, the New York Red Bulls suffered a setback as Harper limped off the pitch. He was replaced by Dylan Nealis after undergoing tests during the break. The 23-year-old had shown promise at the end of last season and the start of this one, so the team hopes the injury is not serious.

Coach Schwarz did not sound optimistic after the game, saying, “We’ll have to check tomorrow, but it seems that it could be a little longer,” when compared to Morgan’s injury.

In the second half, Nashville dominated possession but struggled to break through the Red Bulls’ defense, also known as the "red wall." Carlos Coronel was not tested often but came up with a crucial save on a powerful shot from Sam Sturridge late in the game.

The biggest positive in this game was Sofo. He moves unlike any other Red Bulls player and is a major weapon for them this season. His link-up play with Forsberg was excellent, and his blistering pace kept the Nashville defender winded throughout the game.

The Red Bulls now turn their focus to next week, when they travel to face Atlanta United. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Thomas Kvalø is the Staff Representative at WSOU 89.5 FM and can be reached at thomas.kval@student.shu.edu. 

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