Michael Bradley played for Toronto FC for ten years and led the team to an MLS Cup title in 2017.
After his successful playing career, Bradley transitioned to coaching and is now at the helm of the youthful New York Red Bulls, facing his former team this Saturday.
Bradley spent one season with the New York team when they were known as the MetroStars in 2005 before playing in Europe for a decade. He returned to MLS in 2014, scoring 16 goals and assisting 36 times in 258 appearances for Toronto, which won the Supporters’ Shield in 2017 and secured its only title against Seattle Sounders.
“I gave everything I had in my time in Toronto,” Bradley, 38, shared on Thursday. “From the moment I arrived until I left, what we achieved was special and speaks for itself.”
Bradley was appointed as New York’s coach in December after spending six months coaching the MLS Next Pro team, Red Bulls II.
He began his coaching career positively, leading the Red Bulls (2-1-0, six points) to victories against Orlando City and New England. However, on Sunday, they were defeated 3-0 by Montreal, despite controlling nearly 63% of the possession and having five out of 11 shots on target.
Julian Hall, who scored all three of New York’s goals in the first two matches, played in midfield to accommodate Eric Choupo-Moting’s return to the center position.
Toronto (1-2-0, three points) has played its first three games away from home and is beginning a nine-game homestand.
After losses to Dallas and Vancouver, Daniel Salloi scored the only goal in the 86th minute for a 1-0 victory against FC Cincinnati on Sunday. Toronto’s defense improved after allowing six goals from eight shots on target in the initial two matches.
“It’s a performance to be proud of, but we recognize there are areas we need to improve,” said Toronto coach Robin Fraser.