MLS Multiplex
Fansided

MLS: Breaking down the Eastern Conference Playoffs

By Matt Coles

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Long #33, Michael Murillo #62, Bradley Wright-Phillips #99, and Amro Tarek #3 of New York Red Bulls celebrate after scoring a goal in the 27th minute during the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on September 15, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the New York Red Bulls 4-2. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Long #33, Michael Murillo #62, Bradley Wright-Phillips #99, and Amro Tarek #3 of New York Red Bulls celebrate after scoring a goal in the 27th minute during the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on September 15, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the New York Red Bulls 4-2. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

[6] New York Red Bulls

Surprisingly, the New York Red Bulls are one of the playoff teams that are still searching for their first MLS Cup title, despite having reached the postseason for a tenth straight year. That did not look possible in mid-April, with the Bulls having won just one of their opening seven MLS matches, including home defeats to Orlando City and Minnesota United.

However, as the season entered into May, they got their mojo going and found a way to win matches. In doing so, they were able to make a move up the table, and they were in a strong position after beating rivals New York City FC in the Hudson River Derby in mid-July.

They would falter in August, though, winning just three of their next ten to drop out of the top seven in the East, before vital wins against Portland and Philadelphia pushed them back into the playoff places. A final day defeat saw them drop down to 6th, where a win could have pushed them into the top four and given them home-field advantage in the first round.

Instead, they travel to Philadelphia, where they lost 3-2 in June thanks to three second half goals from the Union. Can the Red Bulls lay those demons to rest this weekend? If so, could they possibly lift a first MLS Cup?

First Round Fixture – Sunday 20th, 15:00 ET:

[3] Philadelphia Union v [6] New York Red Bulls

Home/MLS News