The New York Red Bulls travel to Atlanta United on Sunday, November 25 at 5 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference Championship.
Here are 5 Reasons to Watch, presented by Franklin Group...
Matchup of the League’s Best
The 2018 Eastern Conference Championship will feature both the league’s highest-scoring offense, as well as the league’s best defense. Atlanta United finished the regular season with 70 goals, which was good for the best mark in the league.
The Red Bulls allowed the fewest goals during the regular season, giving up just 33 in 34 games. They also produced 15 shutouts, including 14 from goalkeeper Luis Robles.
Road Warriors
Despite dropping the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Columbus, the Red Bulls finished the regular season winners of eight of their 17 road games, which tied a franchise record for road wins.
They finished tied for second in Major League Soccer for road wins with Sporting Kansas City and Seattle. They trailed only Atlanta United, who had 10.
Goals, Goals, and Goals
This year’s Eastern Conference Championship matchup features two of the league’s top five goal scorers during the regular season. Atlanta forward Josef Martinez set a new MLS single-season record for goals in a season, connecting on 31 in 34 regular season games to win the 2018 Golden Boot.
New York’s Bradley Wright-Phillips finished third in the league in goals scored, with 20.
Regular Season Sweep
During the regular season, the Red Bulls won both games that they played against Atlanta United. New York won 3-1 at Atlanta on May 20, behind two goals from striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.
They shutout Atlanta 2-0 on September 30, getting goals from midfielder Daniel Royer and defender Tim Parker. Overall, the Red Bulls outscored Atlanta 5-1 in regular season play.
Potential History
The 2018 Eastern Conference Championship will mark the fourth time in which the franchise has appeared in a conference final since becoming the Red Bulls in 2006.
If they are able to advance, the Red Bulls will qualify for their second-ever MLS Cup Final berth, with the only other coming in 2008, when they fell to Columbus 3-1.
