Red Bulls acquire USMNT’s Cade Cowell to begin Michael Bradley era

The Julian de Guzman and Michael Bradley era is in full swing for the Red Bulls, as the club made its first significant acquisition in executing the new vision both men have for the squad going forward. 

The Red Bulls added 22-year-old U.S. Men’s National Team winger Cade Cowell on a one-year loan from Liga MX side Chivas, with a purchase option at the end of the loan. 

The move marks Cowell’s return to MLS after being a rising star with the San Jose Earthquakes and then making the jump to Mexico’s top division of soccer with Chivas, where he’s spent the past two seasons to various degrees of success. 

Cade Cowell in November 2025. Getty Images

“We are very excited to add Cade to our roster, he is a quick, skillful attacking player that will be an important part of our frontline next season,” de Guzman said in a statement.

“He has had proven success in MLS, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish with us.”

Cowell plays with a dynamic pace and strong playmaking ability that allows him to generate chances for his teammates and himself.

And at 22 years old, he also fits the vision of de Guzman and Bradley, who want to see the squad get younger. 

“I think now the football that we’re going to want to play moving forward is more exciting football,” de Guzman told The Post ahead of Monday’s announcement of Bradley being named the new head coach. 

“Where you have wingers, box-to-box playmaking [midfielders] and a team that likes to play and keep the ball a little bit more. When I first came or even before I came [to the organization], I remember a Red Bull that was more dynamic, aggressive against the ball, direct. That’s the high-energy Red Bull we remember. And to be high energy, you also have to be young, be brave and take risks.” 

Michael Bradley during a recent soccer match. MLS via Getty Images

Cowell had 12 goals and five assists in 69 appearances for Chivas over his two years there. 

The move back to the United States could help his USMNT stock with the World Cup drawing closer.

Cowell has 11 appearances for the USMNT, but he has not been called up by head coach Mauricio Pochettino since November 2024. 

The USMNT won’t reconvene until March, and with five MLS games before the next national team camp, a strong start could put him at least back on Pochettino’s radar.