New York Red Bulls v Minnesota United: Schwarz impressed with Sofo development

New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz praised the development of youngster Mohammed Sofo after the winger continued his scoring form.

The Red Bulls drew 1-1 with Toronto FC in their last match, with Sofo giving his side the lead in the first half.

The twenty-year-old has scored five goals in 12 MLS games this season and has found the net three times in two U.S. Open Cup games.

Schwarz is pleased with Sofo's development this season, along with the forward's ability to use his strengths.

"Great development of him," said Schwarz. "We mentioned in our pre-match meeting that it is always [important] to be ready for a second ball when we miss a chance, and he did it very well.

"He made the run, he was ready, he had a clear focus for the second ball and scored, so it's really, really good. Very important with his quality, especially with his speed, his deep runs. This is what we need."

On the result itself, Schwarz said: "On the road, one point is not the best. Our target was to win the game. The break did not help.

"We have Minnesota at home on Saturday. One point on the road, it is alright, but we need to improve something. First 30 minutes was good, but we need to do this consistently."

The Red Bulls host Minnesota United in their next match as they hope to return to winning ways.

Minnesota are third in the Western Conference and just three points off San Diego FC in first despite just two wins in their last five games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

The form of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been crucial for New York this season. He is the team's leading scorer with 10 goals, which is tied for the fifth-highest in the competition in 2025.

The striker will be hoping to return from an abdominal strain to help his side get back in the win column.

Minnesota United – Kelvin Yeboah

Minnesota have been led by Tani Oluwaseyi, who has netted on eight occasions, but will not have the striker available for their squad due to international commitments.

Kelvin Yeboah has scored five times for Minnesota this season, but has found the net just twice in their last six games, a record he will be seeking to improve.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Including their 3-2 win at Seattle Sounders earlier this month, Minnesota have won eight of their last 14 regular-season road matches (D4 L2).

Since MLS returned from Leagues Cup play last August, the eight wins are tied for the most road victories for any MLS team in the regular season.

However, the Red Bulls have been tough to beat at Sports Illustrated Stadium this season with seven wins, one draw, and just one loss in nine MLS contests. 

Minnesota have got the better of New York of late, going unbeaten in the last three MLS matches between them. New York are looking for their first league win in fixtures between the two sides since March 2018.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 43.9%

Draw – 26.8%

Minnesota United – 29.3%