MLS Cup Playoffs: 4 Thoughts on NY Red Bulls-Sporting KC

Oct 30, 2014; Harrison, NY, USA; Fireworks explode before the New York Red Bulls take on the Sporting KC at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After a lively MLS Cup Playoffs game between the Vanouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas ended in controversy, the New York Red Bulls hosted defending MLS Champions Sporting Kansas City. It was a tale of two halves. The first filled with not many scoring chances. The second half was filled with an open match filled with many entertaining moments.

Both teams were coming in looking to advance to take on No. 1 seed DC United this weekend. For Sporting KC, they were looking to advance to their second-straight conference semifinals, while New York was looking to win their first MLS Cup Playoffs match since 2008 when they reached the MLS Cup Final.

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On ESPN2 both teams showed that soccer can be entertaining. They each have their star players with national team credentials that looked to step up for their respective squads. Both sides showed promise of coming away as the winner. In the end, NY Red Bulls came from behind and defeated Sporting 2-1 in front of their home supporters. 2014 MLS Golden Boot recipient Bradley Wright-Phillips was honored pre-game by supporters with a tifo for his historic season. Their cheering and supporting kept the hosts energetic for a full 90 minutes.

All in all, the second and final knockout round MLS playoffs game was actioned-packed. There is much to break down from the match between to great Eastern Conference foes. Without further adieu, check out five thoughts on the NY Red Bulls-Sporting KC second game in less than a week’s time.