The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs kicked off with the New York Red Bulls, an underdog team that very few believed would make a deep run. Entering the playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, the odds were stacked against them. Their unexpected victory over the reigning champions, the Columbus Crew, was noteworthy, but what followed was even more remarkable. The Red Bulls proceeded to outlast fierce rivals New York City FC in the conference semifinals and narrowly edged out Orlando City SC in the conference finals, ultimately earning a spot in the MLS Cup final—a historic achievement for the lowest-seeded team to ever reach this stage.
The atmosphere surrounding the final at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, was electric. Among the 2,200 Red Bulls fans who traveled to support their team, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. For many fans, including Eric Vividor from the Bronx, this was more than just a game; it was a chance to finally witness their team lift the coveted MLS Cup. “It feels different, like it’s our moment,” Vividor proclaimed as he joined fellow supporters, engulfed in smoke and chants. This hope brought back memories of past disappointments that had marred their playoff history, leaving many fans yearning for a taste of victory.
The journey of the Red Bulls has been marked by struggle and heartbreak. Since the inception of the MetroStars in the 1990s, followed by the rebranding into the Red Bulls, the franchise has experienced a myriad of highs and lows. Despite the backing of the Red Bull corporation, fans have often felt a disconnect between the team’s ambitions and the lack of star signings, contrasting sharply with the expectations surrounding a club that once featured legends like Thierry Henry. Vividor’s sentiments encapsulate this frustration: “We’ve been asking for more growth, more investment—we’re part of a system that has money.”
This sentiment resonates not only within the fanbase but also in the way the team has operated. For supporters, the financial resources available to the team often feel underutilized. The anticipation for new investments is palpable, especially after watching their team achieve significant milestones without the same level of star power that other clubs boast.
As the Red Bulls prepared for their match against the LA Galaxy, they were met with an unexpected challenge. The Galaxy employed a pressing style similar to that which had characterized the Red Bulls’ gameplay throughout the season. Without the services of Riqui Puig, a crucial player for the Galaxy, the team adapted their game plan, ultimately taking advantage of the Red Bulls’ initial languidness in the match.
In the first half, the Red Bulls fell behind 2-0, with Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic delivering vital goals for the Galaxy. Yet, just as hope flickered dim, Sean Nealis converted a scrappy corner, igniting cheers from the Red Bulls’ contingent. Their spirits lifted, the vibe shifted from despair back to belief. It was a reminder that even in adversity, the strength of their fanbase could energize the team.
In the halftime locker room, Coach Sandro Schwarz rallied his players, urging them to reclaim their game after a lackluster first half. His passionate call prompted a rejuvenated approach, resulting in increased pressuring and coordinated attacking runs. The Red Bulls doubled their shot count in the second half, showcasing their tenacity and intent to alter the match’s trajectory.
That said, even with a display of grit, the Red Bulls ultimately finished the match behind. The concerted efforts fell short against a Galaxy side that capitalized on their early advantages, solidifying a 2-1 victory. Yet despite the loss, a sense of pride remained within the team. Schwarz acknowledged the emotional aftermath faced by his players, highlighting their fight and suggesting that this painful experience could fuel their ambitions moving forward.
The final match of the playoffs illustrated both the potential and the challenges ahead for the Red Bulls. Although they fell short of lifting the MLS Cup, their run underscored a promising foundation to build upon. The fact that they reached the final despite a modest regular-season record of 11 wins is nothing short of impressive. It provokes a sense of excitement about what could come next season.
The fans’ unwavering support and the performances displayed in the playoffs signal a desire for investment in talent and broader resources. As Vividor remarked, the club often feels neglected and underappreciated in the grander context of the Red Bull global brand. 2025 holds promise as an opportunity to harness the momentum built during this playoff journey, and with the right investments, a first-ever MLS Cup title might be within reach sooner than later.
If this year marked a transformative phase for the Red Bulls, then next year could be the moment where they finally fulfill the dreams of their dedicated fanbase, leading to moments of joy—and yes, perhaps even some tears of happiness.