For the first time since 2008, the New York Red Bulls are back in the Conference Finals. They advanced by defeating top-seeded D.C. United 3-2 on aggregate and now prepare to face the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, November 23.
READ: The Weekly: Red Bulls to host first leg of Eastern Conference Championship
Here are some important numbers to keep in mind ahead of the first leg on Sunday.
- 1 – Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has scored three times during the Red Bulls’ current playoff campaign, is one goal shy of tying the franchise record for goals scored in a single MLS Cup Playoffs. The record of four goals was set by Adolfo Valencia in 2000. The MLS Golden Boot winner has a combined 30 goals in 2014, putting him three behind Roy Lassiter who scored 33 combined goals in 1996.
- 2 – The Red Bulls have faced the Revolution twice this season and defeated them in both meetings. On June 8, the Red Bulls travelled to New England and won 2-0, while their final match of the regular season featured an improbable comeback victory with 10-men to win 2-1.
- 3 – New York will be making their third ever appearance in the Conference Finals (2000, 2008, 2014). They are 2-2-0 in their two prior trips to the Conference Championship and have advanced to the MLS Cup Final only once in 2008.
- 4 – Peguy Luyindula has a combined four points from two goals and as many assists in three MLS Cup playoff matches. Teammate and strike partner Thierry Henry boasts four assists, while Castrol Index Top Player Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored three goals and one assist.
- 5 – RBNY is undefeated in their last five matches against New England (3-0-2). Not since July 8, 2012 have the New York Red Bulls been defeated by the Revolution.
- 6 – The New England Revolution have never won a match at Red Bull Arena (0-5-1). The last time the Revolution defeated New York on their home turf was July 14, 2007 at Giants Stadium.
The first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday, November 23 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. will begin at 1:30 ET (TV: NBC). For information on the best ways to get to the arena, visit the Red Bull Arena Transportation HUB.
