In my last article, I discussed the struggles surrounding arguably New York’s worst pro sports team, the New York Giants. New York hasn’t been a city of winners in a long time and disappointment sternly clouds the state. New York is home to 11 professional sports teams across five leagues. Since 2014, the Rangers and the Mets are the only ones with a championship game/series appearance. Both lost 4-1 in their respective series. However, today in 2018, New York may be the favorite to bring in a championship. Specifically from a rather forgotten team, the New York Red Bulls.
Red Bulls Success
Coming into playoffs, the New York Red Bulls have had the best season out of any other Major League Soccer team. This season, they tallied 22 wins, five draws, and seven losses, totaling 71 points. This would be enough to, not only top the Eastern Conference, but also win the 2018 Supporters’ Shield (given to the team with the best regular season record). New York also ranked fifth in total goals as well as first in total assists. This season’s current squad ranks among their best in franchise history.
The Supporters’ Shield winners will now have home field advantage throughout the entire MLS playoffs, which includes the MLS Cup Finals, should they make it. They’re the first New York team to lead their respective league in wins and overall record since the Yankees in 2009. But, of course, there have been many teams to have great records and fail to win it all. In the Red Bulls’ case, however, things are much different.
Key Players
The New York Red Bulls are led by all-time great Bradley Wright-Phillips. He’s tallied 20 goals, six of which were game winners. That ranks third in the league. In addition, Wright-Phillips started 26/30 matches that he played in this season and notched a career-best eight assists. The Red Bulls’ fearless leader became the fastest to 100 goals this season and remains fearless going into the postseason with a tough supporting cast.
Alongside Bradley Wright-Phillips is Kaku. Out of the 28 games he played in, he started 27 of them. He notched a team-high 14 assists in his emergence as one of the league’s premier play-makers.
This team isn’t all offense, though, as they allowed 33 goals this season (ranked first in the league). They were led by Defender of the Year candidate Aaron Long. He was the glue for the defensive line who had 13 clean sheets (most in the league) while being named an All-Star as well.
MLS Cup Favorites
The Red Bulls are already the number one team in the MLS in points and wins. But, their head-to-head record with other title favorites might be what gives them a bolstering chance to bring home the Cup. Threats in the Eastern Conference playoffs this season include NYCFC, Atlanta United, and D.C. United.
Head-to-head match-ups with Atlanta this season were dominated by New York, with an aggregate score of 5-1. In four matches against NYCFC, the Red Bulls outscored them 9-1. And with their last Eastern Conference foe, the Red Bulls outscored D.C United 5-3 in three matches.
In regards to the Western Conference, top teams include Sporting K.C, Seattle Sounders, LAFC, and FC Dallas. 4-4 vs Sporting K.C, 2-1 vs Seattle, 2-1 vs LAFC, and 3-0 vs FC Dallas were the aggregate scores against these opponents.
A Team to be Proud Of
Long story short, the Red Bulls are capable and have beaten everyone who poses a threat to their MLS Cup hopes. It feels like it’s been ages since the last time New York was in serious contention for a title. Although the MLS isn’t one of four major sports leagues in America, it’s a professional league nonetheless. New York’s Red Bull team has posed a huge threat all season to all other teams.
With the Red Bulls, New York fans finally have something to be proud of. There are many factors and statistics that can lead one to believe the Red Bulls are the favorites to win the MLS Cup. As the playoffs begin, the Red Bulls are a team to truly keep your eyes on.
The New York Red Bulls, in 2018, are New York’s BEST professional sports team.