New York Red Bulls: Chasing MLS Cup 2024 Glory | OneFootball

The New York Red Bulls aim for redemption in the MLS Cup 2024 after their near miss in 2008. Will they finally clinch another title?

It may sound cliché, but Finals in soccer aren’t played—they’re won. Within this paradigm, the New York Red Bulls came close in 2008 but ultimately lost to the Columbus Crew in their only MLS Cup appearance.

New York Red Bulls Philosophy

Supporting the club means facing a conflicting reality. One must understand that the club’s philosophy is, above all, to develop and nurture players, following the well-known Red Bull blueprint. This approach, however, is generally not well-received by the fan base, which craves high-profile signings. Hence, the eternal dilemma ensues and frustrations over the lack of significant trophies.

The “Energetic” supporters are no longer content to celebrate symbolic achievements, like having the best regular-season record in the MLS—a feat accomplished three times.

Emil Forsberg: A Turning Point

At the end of last year’s MLS season, the New York Red Bulls management decided to open the club’s wallet, spending nearly $6 million to sign Emil Forsberg, an experienced Swedish attacking midfielder from their sister club, Red Bull Leipzig. The hope was that, with Forsberg on the field, the team, coached by rookie Sandro Schwarz, could compete with the top rivals in the Eastern Conference.

Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls (John Perdicaro / Territorio MLS)

The regular season began with a pleasant surprise: Forsberg fit seamlessly into the team, which stayed in the top four for much of the campaign.

The problem arose when Forsberg was called up to the Swedish national team and returned to the club with a leg injury, sidelining the team’s technical leader for a significant portion of the second half of the season.

Inconsistency began to take shape, exposing the weaknesses of a roster lacking significant stars. Frequent mistakes took a toll on Sandro Schwarz’s team, which ultimately finished the season in seventh place in the Eastern Conference—hardly a result to inspire excitement or fanfare.

Another elimination in the first round of the league’s prime event. Fans already anticipated that the Columbus Crew, their opponent from that long-ago MLS Cup, would prove their superior technical quality and advance in the competition.

Road warriors

Eliminating the Columbus Crew seemed like an impossible task given the outlook at the end of the regular season. In fact, in the final round of the MLS, the Ohio team defeated New York at the Red Bull Arena, 3-2, even without fielding their strongest lineup.

However, when it was time for the playoffs, the standout players for the Red Bulls delivered convincing performances. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel and midfielder Felipe Carballo were decisive in the first game of the best-of-three series, played in Ohio. Coronel was impenetrable in goal, and the Uruguayan midfielder scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory, energizing the Red Bulls for the next clash in Harrison.

In the second game, a thrilling 2-2 draw and a penalty shootout win secured New York Red Bulls’ spot in the next round. And what a next round it was! A showdown with New York City FC, a team that, back in September, crushed the Red Bulls 5-1.

The MLS playoff format is not something for us mere mortals to easily grasp. While the previous playoff round was decided in a best-of-three series, this one would be a single-elimination match, played at the higher-seeded team’s home.

At Citi Field, Carlos Coronel delivered another heroic performance. The Brazilian goalkeeper shut down the NYCFC attack, Carballo scored another brilliant goal, this time from outside the box, and Dante Vanzeir sealed the deal against New York City.

Next up was a formidable opponent from Florida: Orlando City, with its powerful attack led by Facundo Torres, one of the best attacking midfielders in the MLS.

Against Columbus and New York City, the Red Bulls’ defense had been thoroughly tested. Facing Orlando City, coach Sandro Schwarz packed the midfield, providing more security to the backline. And it was through a defender that the goal for MLS Cup qualification came: center-back Andrés Reyes found himself unmarked in Orlando’s box and, after a cross from John Tolkin, headed the ball into the net. This secured the New York Red Bulls’ spot in the MLS Cup final after 16 years of absence.

The time is now

Riqui Puig, the LA Galaxy‘s key playmaker, tore his right knee ligaments and will not face the Red Bulls. This news has further boosted the confidence of Red Bulls fans.

For Mark Fishkin, host of the podcast Seeing Red, belief in the title stems from the team’s unity. “The team plays with confidence. They’re working together, recognizing their strengths, and avoiding mistakes. And then there’s Emil Forsberg,” he says.

Indeed, Emil Forsberg has been the technical leader making the difference on the field, whether in attack, orchestrating plays, controlling the game’s tempo, or even contributing defensively.

Prediction

The author of this piece hopes to break New York’s title drought and predicts a 2-1 victory. It’s time to make it happen. Let’s go, Red Bulls!