After Monday night’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss, the New York Red Bulls will look to mount a comeback against Toronto FC on Sunday to claim their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs.
This weekend’s matchup will be the Red Bulls’ fourth and final meeting with Toronto this season and second game at BMO Field.
Here are seven reasons why you should be glued to your television come Sunday afternoon.
Join the NYC Viewing Party in South Street Seaport
The New York Red Bulls are hosting a watch party at Clinton Hall in South Street Seaport on Sunday! Join up with fellow supporters to cheer on the Red Bulls while enjoying complimentary food, drink specials, free raffles and more. Red Members in attendance will also receive 250 rewards points upon check in. The viewing party kicks of at 2 p.m.
Win or It’s Over
Following Monday night’s 2-1 defeat, the Red Bulls need a win at BMO Field on Sunday by a two-goal margin to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. However, if the scoreline increases past 2-1, a one-goal victory will suffice (ex: 3-2.) Toronto’s record this season at home is 13-1-3.
Revenge From Last Time
This past September, the Red Bulls made the trek up to Canada to face Toronto FC, losing 4-2 despite goals from Gonzalo Veron and Daniel Royer. It is worth noting that Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips did not start the match but came on as substitutes in the second half.
BWP On Quest for 100 Goals
Bradley Wright-Phillips came close to scoring goal No. 100 in all competitions for the Red Bulls on Monday, but couldn’t find the back of the net. BWP will look to find the back of the net on Sunday as he seeks to help lead the Red Bulls to victory.
Third Time in Four Years?
If the Red Bulls manage to pull off a comeback, they will find themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in the last four years. The only other team to pull off the feat is Seattle Sounders FC, who clinched their spot in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday. During this four-year span, no team will have made more appearances than the Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals if New York advances on Sunday.
Sixth Seed to Glory?
For the first time in their 21-year history, the Red Bulls are the sixth-seed in the playoffs. If the squad can advance past Toronto, they will become the first six-seed to make the Eastern Conference Finals in club history.
Ending a Historic Run
After Toronto FC finished with the most points in MLS regular season history, including the best home record in MLS and the Supporters’ Shield, the Red Bulls will look to end their season on Sunday. If New York were to play the role of spoilers against Toronto in Canada on Sunday, they would become the seventh team in MLS history to overcome a 2-1 deficit after leg one in a two-legged series.
