RBNY Loses First Preseason Match of 2026, 3-1 Defeat to Sarasota Paradise of 3rd Tier USL League One

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Red Bull New York fell to USL League One expansion side Sarasota Paradise by a score of 3-1 in their first preseason match of 2026, held at IMG Academy in Florida.

Albeit in an exhibition match, it's Sarasota's first ever win against a professional club, formerly playing in the pre-professional ranks of USL League Two. The Floridian club lost to the New England Revolution on Saturday, Jan. 17 in their opening preseason match.

Both sides used two entirely different elevens for each half, with New York blending a mix of youth and experience for each lineup. The team started out poorly, conceding two first half goals in the 13th and 31st minutes respectively, the first to former University of Akron center back Declan Watters on a free kick.

New York looked like they found their way back into the match in the second half. Encouragingly, newcomers Cade Cowell and Andy Rojas teamed up for a goal at the 64th minute mark, with the former Chivas and Earthquakes winger Cowell assisting the Costa Rican youngster.

Unfortunately for RBNY, the momentum would be short-lived, as Sarasota restored the two goal advantage just five minutes later. The Paradise would hold on for the rest of the second half for the 3-1 win.

A discouraging result to say the least, but worth remembering that preseason exists for a reason. Not only that, but New York rotated the lineup heavily (as did their opponents) and made some experimental lineup choices, particularly in goal. Head coach Michael Bradley started with Tobias Szewczyk goal, who will be 16-years-old for five more days and replaced him in the second half with 2026 draft pick Tomas Hut.

New York will continue its preseason in Florida when they take on old friend Daniel Edelman and St. Louis City S.C. on Saturday, Jan. 24.