Just one regular season game remains between the New York Red Bulls and the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, and New York recognizes their underdog status heading into the postseason.
Having locked up the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls await Decision Day results to determine whether they will face the Chicago Fire, NYCFC, Atlanta United FC or Columbus Crew SC on the road.
“We will technically be the underdog, but we know that against all of those teams, we've gotten good results,” Captain Sacha Kljestan said. “Defense is going to get us the championship this year. They're going to be key.”
New York’s defensive orchestrator, Luis Robles, said that when it comes to the playoffs, he has no preference in who they will face in the Knockout Round next week.
“Something about this year, and the way we've dealt with adversity, leaves me thinking that I don't really care who we play,” Robles said. “I'm excited to be in the playoffs and I feel like this team has everything that's required to do well when our back is up against the wall.”
When asked if the Red Bulls should be labeled as the “Dark Horse” heading into the postseason, Robles said, “absolutely,” adding “it’s a good label for us.”
For Head Coach Jesse Marsch, he realizes his team will need to be sharp both mentally and physically in order have a successful Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign.
“Concentrated and locked in on how we want to play and who we want to be,” Marsch said. “It'll be a little bit different [this year], but it gives us potential.”
