Jimenez Stars in First MLS Start, Red Bulls Win First Since May

Published: Sunday, August 2, 2026

by Matthew Merlino

HARRISON, N.J. - 19-year-old Mijahir Jiménez starred in a 3-2 Red Bull New York (7-4-7) victory over Orlando City SC (6-2-10) on Saturday night.

 

After Gustav Berggren’s sixth minute goal was disallowed due to offsides, Jimenez scored his first career MLS goal in just his third appearance. The 24th minute goal was assisted by Red Bull captain Emil Forsberg and Berggren. Forsberg added to the first half scoreline with his second goal of the season in the 43rd minute. He was assisted by a beautiful through-ball from Cade Cowell.

 

The Red Bulls outshot Orlando 10-5 in the first half, with the visitors not having a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes. However, Orlando’s Eduard Atuesta hit the crossbar off of a 13th minute corner and the away side threatened late in the first half on a free kick that sailed just over the net. City made two changes at the half, subbing on Tyrese Spicer and Bernardo Rhein for Tiago Souza and Adrian Marin.

 

The substitutions proved astute, as Spicer netted his fourth goal of the season after a corner in the 52nd minute. But the Red Bulls would come right back with Jimenez, making his first start after being loaned in from Panama’s Plaza Amador, scoring in the 60th minute for a brace. Cowell had his second assist of the night after winning a quick possession battle at the byline.

 

Orlando was not done yet, as Griffin Dorsey followed a missed chance from Antoine Griezmann to make it 3-2 in the 63rd minute. After this back-and-forth exchange, the game would die down for much of the remaining time. The Red Bulls sustained Orlando’s 10 second half shots, and the visitor’s 56% possession advantage did not lead to any more scoring.

 

Julian Bazan of New York seemed shaken up after heavy contact with Orlando’s Harvey Sarajian in the 88th minute. This resulted in Sarajian picking up a yellow card just one minute after coming on for Justin Ellis. Bazan would eventually return to play after a stoppage of about 2 minutes.

 

The Red Bulls survived a flurry of scoring opportunities in front of their net at 90(+5) through three saves in quick succession from goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. That would prove to be the final opportunity for Orlando City, as the game came to an end after just over 8 minutes of stoppage time.

 

New York won their first game since May 23rd and broke a two-game losing streak. Orlando lost their first game since May, breaking their two-game winning streak. The three points for RBNY keep them in 8th position in the MLS Eastern Conference, currently losing on goal difference to Charlotte for the final spot in Round 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs. If this stands, New York would host D.C. United in a Wild Card game. Orlando sits three points out of the Wild Card in 10th.

 

The Red Bulls have a weeklong break owing to Leagues Cup competition, and their next game will be at Atlanta United FC. Orlando has three Leagues Cup matches between August 5th and 12th against Mexican sides Monterrey, León, and Atlético de San Luis. They return to the pitch against Cincinnati on August 15th.

 

Matthew Merlino can be reached at matthew.merlino@student.shu.edu 

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