The New York Red Bulls appear to be playoff bound. Sunday’s 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution has the Red Bulls sitting third in the Eastern Conference with seven regular season matches remaining. It appears as if all cylinders are firing for Manager Jesse Marsch and his team. The Red Bulls carry a nine match unbeaten streak in MLS and a 12 match uneaten streak across all competitions. The last Red Bull loss came back in early July against rivals New York City FC. This leads to a very big question. Will New York Red Bulls have playoff success?
Here are three reasons why I believe the Red Bulls finally end their 20 year MLS Cup drought.
New York Red Bulls Playoff Success
Bradley Wright-Phillips
BWP has been absolutely on fire this season. With 16 goals and five assists after 27 games. Wright-Phillips could be a dark horse for the MVP race. He is arguably playing better now than he did when he scored 27 times two seasons ago. This season BWP has become a much better all-around player. He has gotten a lot better with his movement off the ball and has developed into a cut throat finisher in the box. Going into the postseason BWP will be a dangerous weapon for the Red Bulls to have, seeing as all he will need is one chance to alter the game. Becoming the Red Bulls all time goal scorer in both MLS and across all competitions, Wright-Phillips deserves nothing less than an MLS Cup for the great year he has had.
Consistency on the Road
Contrary to popular belief, the results the Red Bulls have gotten on the road have shown promise for the postseason. New York has indeed had trouble holding leads on the road, which is a red flag. However, they have been able to accomplish something that has been clearly overlooked, they score. Over New York’s last four road games, they have averaged two goals a game. With the current MLS Cup playoff format, getting two goals on the road for the Red Bulls will only further their chance of success. New York has proven they are not afraid to go after game away from home. Getting road goals in a format where road goals are the tiebreaker, this proves the Red Bulls have what it takes to capture MLS Cup.
All They Do is Win, Win, Win (At Home)
The Red Bulls have been essentially unbeatable at home this season. New York currently holds the best record in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 10-2-1, New York hasn’t lost at Red Bull Arena since April 9th. The Red Bulls hold an impressive +16 goal differential at home, while absolutely smothering opposition with their high pressure. Behind the always raucous supporters’ groups of the Red Bulls and the ease they play with at home, getting results in Red Bull Arena are going to be very tough for opposition.
