CHESTER, Pa. — What was all but certain coming in was made official on Decision Day at Talen Energy Stadium.
With a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, the New York Red Bulls wrapped up the top seed in the Eastern Conference while Philly secured their first playoff berth in five years, beating out the New England Revolution for the sixth and final spot in the East by virtue of the goal-differential tiebreaker.
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the only goal of the first half, sneaking behind the Union defense, chipping it over hard-charging goalkeeper Andre Blake and depositing the ball into an open net in the 26th minute. The goal was Wright-Phillips' 24th of the season, which was enough to hold off New York City FC’s David Villa (22 goals) for his second Golden Boot in three years.
Alex Muyl sealed the win with a 57th-minute tally with Sacha Kljestan and Dax McCarty helping set up the goal.
The Red Bulls, who haven’t lost since July 3, will go into the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs unbeaten in their last 16 while the Union enter on on a seven-game winless streak.
