The quest for MLS Cup begins.
The New York Red Bulls will be looking for their first MLS Cup, and their first appearance in the championship game since the 2008 season, when the club lost 3-1 to the Columbus Crew.
Prior to the 2008 season, the club only made it out of the first round of the playoffs once. Since then, the only time the Red Bulls did not play in the second round of the postseason was in the 2010 season.
Since 2014, the Red Bulls have made it to the Conference Finals three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2018, the latter two being the same years they won the Supporters’ Shield.
When the Red Bulls made it to the Conference Finals in 2014, they defeated Atlantic Cup rival D.C. United 4-2 on aggregate in the semifinals, before losing to the New England, 4-3 on aggregate in the Conference Finals.
The following season, New York played D.C. United once again in the semifinals, defeating them 2-0 on aggregate, before losing to the Columbus Crew, 2-1 on aggregate in the Conference Finals.
In 2018, the Red Bulls topped Columbus Crew, 3-1 on aggregate, in the semis, only to fall to Atlanta United FC, 3-1, in the championship round.
Overall, the Red Bulls have made 19 playoff appearances, nine second round appearances, four Conference Finals appearances and one MLS Cup appearance.
The Red Bulls have now qualified for the playoffs an MLS record 20th time. It also marks their tenth consecutive playoff berth, which is the longest active streak in the New York metro area.
