Major League Soccer announced today that Opening Day of the 2011 New York Red Bulls season will take place on Saturday, March 19 when the Red Bulls host Seattle Sounders FC at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
The Red Bulls enter their second season at Red Bull Arena. In 2010, New York completed the best single season turnaround in Major League Soccer history, finishing with 51 points and atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-9-6. At home, the Red Bulls posted a 10-3-2 record and surrendered just nine goals. The 2011 season will be the first full year for New York Designated Players Thierry Henry and Rafa Márquez, who joined the club midseason last year.
Last season, the Red Bulls split their season series with Seattle Sounders FC, winning a 1-0 decision on April 3 at Qwest Field, while falling 1-0 at Red Bull Arena on May 15. All-time against Seattle, New York is 1-2-1. Seattle finished 2010 in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 14-10-6 and 48 points. They were eliminated by the Los Angeles Galaxy, 3-1 on aggregate, in the Western Conference Semifinals. Seattle features Colombian striker and Designated Player Fredy Montero, who led the club with 10 goals and 10 assists in 2010, and former United States International goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
Tickets for Opening Day are on sale now through one of the Red Bulls’ Holiday Packs, and make a great last-minute gift idea. The Holiday Packs will be on sale until Tuesday, December 21 at Noon and will ship in time for the holidays. Please CLICK HERE or call 1.877.RBSOCCER to learn about all Holiday Pack options and benefits as well as Full and Partial Season Ticket plans.
