The New York Red Bulls’ weekend off gave them a chance to rest, but it also relegated them to the role of spectator in the Supporters’ Shield race where all they could do is hope that results shook out in their favor. They did, and now the Red Bulls are in the best position they can be in: If they win their last two games, they will win the Shield.
After watching fellow contenders Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City drop points last Wednesday, the Red Bulls chances to finish with the best record in the League got another massive boost on Sunday when Seattle once again fell to a Cascadia Cup rival, finishing on the wrong side of a 1-0 result against the Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field.
With 53 points, New York are tied with the Timbers in the Shield standings, but if both teams should win their last two matches, the Red Bulls hold the first tiebreaker – number of wins – and would finish top of the table. New York are one point ahead of Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake, and two points ahead of Seattle. Each team has played 32 games.
Playing on Sunday, the Red Bulls will again have to wait for other results to play out before they get back to action, but the continued layoff may end up paying dividends. New York can guarantee themselves a bye through the first round of the Playoffs if the Montreal Impact, whose slump continued on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at home to the New England Revolution, lose their Wednesday road game against the LA Galaxy.
The Timbers finish off their schedule with a home game against RSL before traveling to play Chivas USA. After playing Houston, New York close out the regular season at home against the Chicago Fire. For tickets to that game, as well as to the Red Bulls’ first playoff game, visit NewYorkRedBulls.com’s Ticket Central or call 877.RBSOCCER.
