A preseason friendly between Club América and the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey descended into chaos during its final moments, culminating in a heated brawl involving players from both sides.
What began as a low-key tune-up match during the FIFA international break at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison quickly spiraled into one of the most embarrassing incidents of the soccer calendar. For much of the contest, the game unfolded at a slow tempo, with few clear goal-scoring opportunities for either side. Both goalkeepers, including América’s Rodolfo Cota and the Red Bulls’ keeper, were largely untested until the second half.
As reported by Claro Sports and Mediotiempo, the breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Nehuén Benedetti capitalized on a rebound from América’s goalkeeper to slot the ball home, giving the Red Bulls a 1-0 advantage. This goal forced Las Águilas to push forward aggressively in search of an equalizer.
Frustration Boils Over
Despite their efforts, América struggled to penetrate the Red Bulls’ defense, with Miguel Borja spearheading the attack but failing to generate meaningful chances. The mounting pressure and limited offensive success contributed to a tense atmosphere on the pitch, which ultimately erupted into a physical confrontation as the match neared its conclusion.
The brawl involved players from both teams and marred what had been an otherwise uneventful preseason fixture. The incident overshadowed the sporting contest, leaving a disappointing impression on fans and officials alike.