Izzy Handy
@izzyhandy.bsky.social
Writer, Yankees, Jets, Red Bulls and Knicks enthusiast.
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Izzy Handy
@izzyhandy.bsky.social
· Jan 29
Bringing Down The Hammers: Introducing The Red Bulls' US Open Cup Opponents
A look at the inner workings and challenges of a local USL2 club
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
Last year I interviewed, Hudson Valley Hammers' head coach Brandon Levine, really highlighting the value the US Open Cup has to these lower division sides.
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
Sandro Schwarz is out, I put together a list of 6 names the Red Bulls could potentially be considering for head coach.
Red Bull Management Shakeup: 6 Options for the Red Bulls' New Head Coach
Head Coach Sandro Schwarz and Head of Sport Jochen Schneider have left the club. Julian de Guzman has been promoted to the new Head of Sport.
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Sandro Schwarz is out, I put together a list of 6 names the Red Bulls could potentially be considering for head coach.
In addition to the Red Bulls, bit of a College Soccer fan, and there are a few interesting players from the NY/NJ area for this season, few names I'm keeping my eye on. Not exactly a hidden gems guy, so if you're familiar already you probably know these names.
August 23, 2025 at 6:49 PM
In addition to the Red Bulls, bit of a College Soccer fan, and there are a few interesting players from the NY/NJ area for this season, few names I'm keeping my eye on. Not exactly a hidden gems guy, so if you're familiar already you probably know these names.
To summarize the Red Bulls' transfer window (a thread):
Gustav Berggren (finally got his visa a month after signing)
Two purchases options exercised on Central American MLSNP loanees
Traded for a back up keeper
Gustav Berggren (finally got his visa a month after signing)
Two purchases options exercised on Central American MLSNP loanees
Traded for a back up keeper
August 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
To summarize the Red Bulls' transfer window (a thread):
Gustav Berggren (finally got his visa a month after signing)
Two purchases options exercised on Central American MLSNP loanees
Traded for a back up keeper
Gustav Berggren (finally got his visa a month after signing)
Two purchases options exercised on Central American MLSNP loanees
Traded for a back up keeper
MLS All-Star Game roster will be released a Wednesday, a few Red Bulls have cases for selection, but it's probably Carlos Coronel or bust.
All Star Game: Which Red Bulls Could Be Selected
The MLS All-Star Game roster is set to be announced on Wednesday, and a few Red Bulls have compelling argument for spots
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:31 PM
MLS All-Star Game roster will be released a Wednesday, a few Red Bulls have cases for selection, but it's probably Carlos Coronel or bust.
Final match of a 9 game May for the Red Bulls against Atlanta United. Sofo and Bocagz looked like a striker partnership that could dominate the league one day on Wednesday, but Bocagz will probably return to the bench for this one.
Matchday Musings: Atlanta United
A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
May 31, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Final match of a 9 game May for the Red Bulls against Atlanta United. Sofo and Bocagz looked like a striker partnership that could dominate the league one day on Wednesday, but Bocagz will probably return to the bench for this one.
US Open Cup action tonight, Red Bulls need a win to lift morale after back to back defeats. Dallas has a lot of talented home grown players they could rotate into this one.
Matchday Musings US Open Cup Edition: FC Dallas
A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 7:51 PM
US Open Cup action tonight, Red Bulls need a win to lift morale after back to back defeats. Dallas has a lot of talented home grown players they could rotate into this one.
One day I hope to find someone who looks at me the way Hany Mukhtar & Daniel Edelman look at each other.
Red Bulls-Nashville tonight, look out for Nashville's quick transitions, Edelman to man mark Mukhtar, and if EMCM can replicate his LA performance:
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/matchday-m...
Red Bulls-Nashville tonight, look out for Nashville's quick transitions, Edelman to man mark Mukhtar, and if EMCM can replicate his LA performance:
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/matchday-m...
May 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
One day I hope to find someone who looks at me the way Hany Mukhtar & Daniel Edelman look at each other.
Red Bulls-Nashville tonight, look out for Nashville's quick transitions, Edelman to man mark Mukhtar, and if EMCM can replicate his LA performance:
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/matchday-m...
Red Bulls-Nashville tonight, look out for Nashville's quick transitions, Edelman to man mark Mukhtar, and if EMCM can replicate his LA performance:
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/matchday-m...
Red Bulls-Galaxy MLS Cup rematch things to watch out for:
The Galaxy are down Paintsil and Pec for this one, should give much more freedom for the Red Bulls' fullbacks to push deeper down field. Also blows up LA's gameplan, and kills their ability to stretch out the backline.
The Galaxy are down Paintsil and Pec for this one, should give much more freedom for the Red Bulls' fullbacks to push deeper down field. Also blows up LA's gameplan, and kills their ability to stretch out the backline.
May 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Red Bulls-Galaxy MLS Cup rematch things to watch out for:
The Galaxy are down Paintsil and Pec for this one, should give much more freedom for the Red Bulls' fullbacks to push deeper down field. Also blows up LA's gameplan, and kills their ability to stretch out the backline.
The Galaxy are down Paintsil and Pec for this one, should give much more freedom for the Red Bulls' fullbacks to push deeper down field. Also blows up LA's gameplan, and kills their ability to stretch out the backline.
There’s no greater celebration of what soccer can or should be than the US Open Cup. A sport for everyone that we all have the right to take part in and where a school teacher or a fireman can theoretically step onto the same field as a World Cup winner as equals.
Matchday Musings US Open Cup Edition: Colorado Springs Switchbacks
A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
May 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
There’s no greater celebration of what soccer can or should be than the US Open Cup. A sport for everyone that we all have the right to take part in and where a school teacher or a fireman can theoretically step onto the same field as a World Cup winner as equals.
Red Bulls taking on Messi and Inter Miami today. Things to look out for:
Will Schwarz use a classic Red Bull press to wear out an already exhausted Miami side?
Does Cam Harper stay in the winger role?
How heavily does Miami rotate after a rough midweek CONCACAF beating?
Will Schwarz use a classic Red Bull press to wear out an already exhausted Miami side?
Does Cam Harper stay in the winger role?
How heavily does Miami rotate after a rough midweek CONCACAF beating?
Matchday Musings: Inter Miami
A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
May 3, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Red Bulls taking on Messi and Inter Miami today. Things to look out for:
Will Schwarz use a classic Red Bull press to wear out an already exhausted Miami side?
Does Cam Harper stay in the winger role?
How heavily does Miami rotate after a rough midweek CONCACAF beating?
Will Schwarz use a classic Red Bull press to wear out an already exhausted Miami side?
Does Cam Harper stay in the winger role?
How heavily does Miami rotate after a rough midweek CONCACAF beating?
No Red Bulls were called up to the USMNT (not a surprise, with Tolkin gone there isn't an American left on the team with that kind of profile) but NYRB developed more players on this roster than any other club, as Tyler Adams, Tim Ream & Brian White all made their pro debuts with the Red Bulls.
March 12, 2025 at 10:10 PM
No Red Bulls were called up to the USMNT (not a surprise, with Tolkin gone there isn't an American left on the team with that kind of profile) but NYRB developed more players on this roster than any other club, as Tyler Adams, Tim Ream & Brian White all made their pro debuts with the Red Bulls.
Poor performance from the Red Bulls last night, by shout out to Carlos Coronel. Brilliant job from the keeper to salvage a point on the road. Good games from Eile and Sean Nealis as well.
March 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Poor performance from the Red Bulls last night, by shout out to Carlos Coronel. Brilliant job from the keeper to salvage a point on the road. Good games from Eile and Sean Nealis as well.
It's kickoff day, match day 1, opening day, MLS is Back day, whatever you want to call it. The Red Bulls are up against Cincinnati, and there are more than a few things to watch out for:
Matchday Musings: FC Cincinnati
A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
February 22, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It's kickoff day, match day 1, opening day, MLS is Back day, whatever you want to call it. The Red Bulls are up against Cincinnati, and there are more than a few things to watch out for:
There was a lot to take away from coach Sandro Schwarz and the various players at Red Bulls' media day, but I think it's also important to highlight the fan experience, so here's my review of the new food options at Sports Illustrated Stadium this year.
The 2025 Review of the Red Bulls' Newest Concessions
There are a few new food options at Sports Illustrated Stadium for the upcoming season
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
February 20, 2025 at 11:37 PM
There was a lot to take away from coach Sandro Schwarz and the various players at Red Bulls' media day, but I think it's also important to highlight the fan experience, so here's my review of the new food options at Sports Illustrated Stadium this year.
So what to expect from Tim Parker:
Basically depth, this isn't the same guy he was in 2023, but still a great veteran presence and a solid physical defender who will find a decent number of minutes between the Red Bulls' crowded schedule.
Basically depth, this isn't the same guy he was in 2023, but still a great veteran presence and a solid physical defender who will find a decent number of minutes between the Red Bulls' crowded schedule.
February 12, 2025 at 2:21 AM
So what to expect from Tim Parker:
Basically depth, this isn't the same guy he was in 2023, but still a great veteran presence and a solid physical defender who will find a decent number of minutes between the Red Bulls' crowded schedule.
Basically depth, this isn't the same guy he was in 2023, but still a great veteran presence and a solid physical defender who will find a decent number of minutes between the Red Bulls' crowded schedule.
Monterrey, Chivas and Juarez is a fun Leagues Cup draw. Well really more so the first two. It'll be the first time the Red Bulls have played Chivas since the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, where we sadly lost 1-0 over two often frustrating legs.
I'm not bitter. Well maybe a little.
I'm not bitter. Well maybe a little.
February 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Monterrey, Chivas and Juarez is a fun Leagues Cup draw. Well really more so the first two. It'll be the first time the Red Bulls have played Chivas since the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, where we sadly lost 1-0 over two often frustrating legs.
I'm not bitter. Well maybe a little.
I'm not bitter. Well maybe a little.
Marcelo Morales isn't John Tolkin, don't expect him to be John Tolkin, but despite wearing braces, this is an experienced, talented LB with an All-Star caliber ceiling.
New Bull on the Ranch: Marcelo Morales
An introduction and expectations for Red Bulls' signing Marcelo Morales
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
February 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Marcelo Morales isn't John Tolkin, don't expect him to be John Tolkin, but despite wearing braces, this is an experienced, talented LB with an All-Star caliber ceiling.
Three NY/NJ teams hosting fully professional sides in the first round of the US Open Cup:
March 18:
FC Motown vs Westchester SC (MSU Soccer Park)
NJ Alliance vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (venue tbd)
March 19:
LI Rough Riders vs Charlotte Independence (Mitchell Athletic Complex; Uniondale)
March 18:
FC Motown vs Westchester SC (MSU Soccer Park)
NJ Alliance vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (venue tbd)
March 19:
LI Rough Riders vs Charlotte Independence (Mitchell Athletic Complex; Uniondale)
February 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Three NY/NJ teams hosting fully professional sides in the first round of the US Open Cup:
March 18:
FC Motown vs Westchester SC (MSU Soccer Park)
NJ Alliance vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (venue tbd)
March 19:
LI Rough Riders vs Charlotte Independence (Mitchell Athletic Complex; Uniondale)
March 18:
FC Motown vs Westchester SC (MSU Soccer Park)
NJ Alliance vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (venue tbd)
March 19:
LI Rough Riders vs Charlotte Independence (Mitchell Athletic Complex; Uniondale)
Raheem Edwards should be a great fit for the Red Bulls' system. Got all the traits both physically and mentally to be part of an effective press. I'd expect him to start the first few games of the season, but Morales should be seen as the long term left back.
New Bull on the Ranch: Raheem Edwards
An introduction and expectations for Red Bulls' signing Raheem Edwards
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
February 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Raheem Edwards should be a great fit for the Red Bulls' system. Got all the traits both physically and mentally to be part of an effective press. I'd expect him to start the first few games of the season, but Morales should be seen as the long term left back.
Last year I interviewed, Hudson Valley Hammers' head coach Brandon Levine, really highlighting the value the US Open Cup has to these lower division sides.
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
Bringing Down The Hammers: Introducing The Red Bulls' US Open Cup Opponents
A look at the inner workings and challenges of a local USL2 club
metrosoccerreport.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Last year I interviewed, Hudson Valley Hammers' head coach Brandon Levine, really highlighting the value the US Open Cup has to these lower division sides.
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...
It's great that the Red Bulls are back in the US Open Cup, hopefully one day all of MLS will be back as well. It's also a good reminder of the value of supporting local soccer and there are a lot of lower division New York and New Jersey teams competing this year.
January 29, 2025 at 2:56 PM
It's great that the Red Bulls are back in the US Open Cup, hopefully one day all of MLS will be back as well. It's also a good reminder of the value of supporting local soccer and there are a lot of lower division New York and New Jersey teams competing this year.
There are a lot of reasons for Red Bull fans to be excited about Bogacz, he's got great technical ability and tactical awareness for a player of his size and age, but expectations should be limited for year 1.
open.substack.com/pub/metrosoc...
open.substack.com/pub/metrosoc...
New Bull on the Ranch: Wiktor Bogacz
An introduction and expectations for Red Bulls' signing Wiktor Bogacz
open.substack.com
January 23, 2025 at 6:58 PM
There are a lot of reasons for Red Bull fans to be excited about Bogacz, he's got great technical ability and tactical awareness for a player of his size and age, but expectations should be limited for year 1.
open.substack.com/pub/metrosoc...
open.substack.com/pub/metrosoc...