Michael Bradley will demand a response from the New York Red Bulls when they host Charlotte FC on Saturday, having endured an underwhelming return to MLS action following the World Cup break.

The Red Bulls went down 3-1 to the Philadelphia Union, who only won one of their first 15 games of the year and are under an interim head coach in Ryan Richter, on Wednesday.

They sit eighth in the Eastern Conference ahead of Saturday's crucial meeting with Charlotte, who are only above them on goal difference and currently occupy the final automatic playoff spot.

"The next time we play a game like this, we're not going to let frustration override anything," Bradley said following the defeat to Philadelphia.

"We're not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We're going to make sure that we're ready to respond in a strong way on Saturday night.

"We have a chance at home against Charlotte to respond in a really strong way, and that's how it goes.

"As always, we'll look at some things and make sure that we can learn and improve and understand how to be better."

Charlotte were 2-0 up against Atlanta United at the halfway stage of their first game back, only to be pegged back in a frustrating 2-2 draw.

Dean Smith's side completed the marquee signing of Allan Saint-Maximin during the World Cup break, though he is still waiting to make his debut after linking up with his new team-mates late. 

The former Newcastle United winger is unlikely to be involved against the Red Bulls, either, but Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood knows the importance of getting him up to speed soon.

"Well, we need to get him in. That's the main thing. We need to get him in quickly," the former Aston Villa midfielder said.

"We need numbers, but he's a top player. I played against him with Newcastle, and he's just electric, he's direct and he's a goal threat. So that will certainly help with games like tonight."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Emil Forsberg

Forsberg registered his fourth assist of the season against Philadelphia when he teed up Cade Cowell for his first goal of 2026 – no NYRB player has laid on more goals for team-mates in MLS this term (also four for Ronald Donkor).

However, Forsberg has underperformed his underlying expected goals figures by -1.59, netting once from 2.59 xG, which is the ninth-worst overperformance in MLS this year.

Charlotte FC – Kristijan Kahlina

Kahlina has, according to Opta's expected goals on target (xGoT) figures, conceded 2.8 goals more than anticipated based on the quality of shots he has faced this season.

Only eight goalkeepers in MLS can better his 70.9% save percentage this year, though.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

The New York Red Bulls were beaten in their first game after the World Cup break, but they had won three of four going into the hiatus.

And at home, they have only lost one of their last five matches dating back to early April (W2 D2).

Charlotte did win 6-1 in the reverse fixture back in March, but they have only won one of their six away games all season (D1 L4), including losing each of their last three.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 43.4%

Charlotte FC – 29.9%

Draw – 26.7%