By Billy Wood
The New York Red Bulls are now one point away from a playoff spot for the Major League Soccer Cup with five games remaining.
The Red Bulls have been in great form recently as they have won five out of the last seven games with two draws, which is a stark contrast to how they started their season as they only won three and lost four in their opening seven games.
The most recent win came on Sunday, Oct. 17 against local rivals the New York City Football Club (NYCFC). The Red Bulls were able to secure all three points against their in-state rival in their third game against each other in 25 days. The Red Bulls were able to get a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win away at Yankee Stadium back in September.
“New York is red,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Gerhard Struber following his team’s victory over NYCFC.
They were able to keep their momentum going against their local rivals as they won 1-0 at the Red Bull Arena. They took an early lead with a goal from Venezuelan midfielder Cristian Cásseres Jr. in the third minute, which was his fifth goal of the season for him. The Red Bulls goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel, was also able to make two big saves during the game.
“There’s still a long way to go, there’s a lot to improve,” said Club Captain Sean Davis about the team’s recent form in a postgame press conference. “But I think that we’ve been through a lot as a team and that builds character. And I think that we’re seeing it now.”
The team now shifts their focus to their next game away against Columbus Crew. Their last game in Columbus on Sept. 14 saw the Crew win 2-1, which was the last time the Red Bulls tasted defeat.
“The big goal is that we step in the playoffs and we have some big to-dos in the next few weeks with big opponents and big battles,” stated Coach Struber in a press conference.“I think right now we need to enjoy the moment but we know that this is not the end. We have to bring constantly performances like that and then I think in the end we stay in the playoffs.”
The Red Bulls are hoping to keep their momentum going as they look to make it to the postseason for the 12th consecutive year.