Charlotte FC vs Red Bull New York Player Matchup Preview: Pep Biel vs Adri Mehmeti

By Rylee McKinney

Pep Biel against Austin FC (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

Charlotte FC once again returns to The Bank this weekend for another Eastern Conference clash. This time, Charlotte FC welcomes Red Bull New York to the Queen City. 

Last week, Charlotte fought for 90+ minutes against third-place Inter Miami CF, resulting in a 0-0 draw. As for RBNY, an extra-time equalizer by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting granted them a 1-1 draw with Toronto last week. Heading into Matchday 5, Charlotte remains in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, while RBNY sits in 4th. 

The Crown faced RBNY twice last season, earning a 1-0 home win and a tough 4-2 road loss. During the 2025 season, Charlotte FC secured a top-four finish while RBNY finished outside the playoff line in 10th place. 

After a disappointing season, RBNY fired manager Sandro Schwarz, who had been with the team since 2024. Despite Schwarz’s extensive resume, he simply could not bring Red Bull into the pool of top-contending teams. Ultimately, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the last 15 RBNY seasons sealed Schwarz’s fate. Consequently, in response to Schwarz’s departure, New York appointed former USMNT star Michael Bradley in December. Previously, Bradley coached the club’s MLS Next Pro side, Red Bull New York II, leading them to the 2025 MLS Next Pro title. 

Bradley was not the only change to the Red Bull roster leading up to the 2026 season. Key departures from the squad include goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, defender Sean Nealis, and forward Lewis Morgan. Strategic additions include goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, defender Justin Che, and fullback Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. Most notably, head coach Bradley made some unexpected moves during RBNY’s first match of 2026. RBNY’s starting XI featured homegrown talent in the form of forward Julian Hall and midfielder Adri Mehmeti. Mehmeti made his MLS debut this season under Bradley. So far, Hall scored twice against Orlando City and once against the New England Revolution, while Mehmeti has tallied two assists. These homegrowns are sending shockwaves through MLS. 

Charlotte FC has also welcomed some younger players onto the pitch. After navigating the loss of center back Adilson Malanda, Charlotte FC has been testing its options. After an average performance by Andrew Privett for CLTFC’s opening road matches, head coach Dean Smith has been starting 21-year-old Morrison Agyemang. Despite a rocky start for Morrison, playing time seems to be helping him progress. Additionally, 19-year-old midfielder Aron John signed on with Charlotte FC’s first team on a short-term agreement from Crown Legacy. John made his debut with the Black and Blue at home against Western Conference Austin FC, subbing on for captain Ashley Westwood. 

Despite the surge in younger players earning playing time, Charlotte FC continues to prioritize its veteran players. Similarities from last season’s lineup feature attacking midfielder Pep Biel and fullback Nathan Byrne. It appears that Dean Smith is slowly testing his younger players, relying more on experience to carry the torch. Unlike Charlotte, Red Bull New York is embracing the player pathway head-on, letting them make major headlines in MLS. This week’s matchup focuses on the teams’ rookie-versus-veteran clashes, particularly Pep Biel versus Adri Mehmeti. 

Pep Biel - Charlotte FC - Attacking Midfielder

Attacking midfielder Pep Biel finally made his return to the pitch this season after a prolonged injury at the end of 2025. Before his sidelining injury, Biel scored a total of 10 goals and 11 assists in 26 regular-season games. His accomplishments in 2025 made him one of eight MLS players to reach the 10 goals/10 assists club last season. Biel arrived in Charlotte in August of 2024 on loan from Greek side Olympiacos FC, but most recently signed on as a Designated Player on permanent transfer this past January. 

So far this season, Biel has started in four matches for The Crown. To no one's surprise, Biel has already scored three goals. He even earned MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday three against Austin FC. His performances as of late make it feel as though he never skipped a beat. Biel’s ability to create in the attacking third, combined with his precise finishing, makes him the key man for Charlotte FC’s midfield. 

Adri Mehmeti - Red Bull New York - Center Midfielder

RBNY’s newest addition, Adri Mehmeti, has been shaking things up for the New Jersey team. His intense energy and creativity will definitely challenge The Crown’s veteran midfield unit Saturday night. As the product of the pathway, Mehmeti was a member of the Red Bull Academy and a part of the 2025 Red Bull New York II squad. 

Despite Mehmeti’s age, he is already showing great promise on the field. So far this season, Mehmeti has started all four matches for RBNY, recording two assists. This homegrown player joined New York in 2024 on a four-year MLS contract with an option for 2029. His stellar performance so far has even earned him a spot on MLS’s Team of the Matchday for Matchdays 1 and 2. To put it simply, Mehmeti is literally just getting started and will have plenty more to show for as the season progresses.

Summary

Saturday's matchup will be a true clash between experienced players and the incoming class to MLS. Biel’s consistent impact in Charlotte’s attacking third and advantageous play-making abilities will most likely have RBNY’s younger players spinning. RBNY players like Mehmeti and Hall will definitely have to track back in transition play, utilizing their speed to their advantage. However, Biel must not let his age and judgment cloud his view of Red Bull's shiny new starters, especially Adri Mehmeti.

After their 0-0 draw with Inter Miami CF last week, it was evident that Charlotte’s squad struggled in moderating Miami’s younger players. This week, it will be extremely important for players like Biel to keep tabs on these teenagers and keep a firm hand on the reins. Having some experience with Miami’s Santiago Morales and Noah Allen last week, Charlotte should be prepared and ready to anticipate this new wave of pathway players.

*Stats from Transfermarkt and FotMob