The Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs have arrived and on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET, the New York Red Bulls will head to the Windy City to face the third-seeded Chicago Fire.
Fans can watch the match on FS1 and UniMas, or listen in on New York Red Bulls Radio on Tunein in English and Spanish.
Before Wednesday’s pivotal winner-takes-all match, here are seven reasons why you should watch.
Watch with Supporters at Smithfield Hall in NYC
Join up with your fellow Red Bulls fans at Smithfield Hall in New York City to watch the Red Bulls kickoff their Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign! Enjoy complimentary food, drink specials and free raffles while the Red Bulls do battle in Chicago. The viewing party kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and all Red Members in attendance are eligible for 250 Members+ points upon check in. Note: This event is 21+.
It’s The Playoffs! Finally!
After 34 regular season matches, the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs are finally here. The Red Bulls will be the sixth-seed this year and will be facing off against the third-seeded Chicago Fire. This match will mark the fourteenth playoff appearance in the past 15 seasons for the Red Bulls.
Win or Go Home
It all comes down to this. The Knockout Round is sudden-death, meaning if the Red Bulls want to advance further into the playoffs, they must come out on top in Chicago, even if that means extra time or penalty kicks.
Nikolic vs. BWP
Two of the best European strikers in MLS will square off on Wednesday night as two-time MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips will take on this year’s top scorer, Nemanja Nikolic. Both forwards have scored in each matchup this season. Chicago’s forward totaled 24 goals this season, while Wright-Phillips finished with 17.
Unbeaten Streak on the Line
The Red Bulls are unbeaten in October this year, boasting a 2-0-1 record. Only one shot has found the back of the net for Red Bulls’ opponents this month, and goalkeeper Luis Robles will look to keep it that way this Wednesday against the Fire.
Sacha Continues his Dominance
For the second straight season, Red Bulls captain Sacha Kljestan sits atop of the MLS assist leaderboard. Kljestan is the first player in MLS history to lead the league in assists for two consecutive seasons.
Can the Red Bulls Top the Fire Again?
In their two matchups this season, the Red Bulls own a 1-0-1 season series advantage over the Fire. In their match at Toyota Park on September 9, the two sides drew 1-1 with both Wright-Phillips and Nikolic finding the net.
