New York Red Bulls: Three hopes, one fear

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Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) heads the ball against Philadelphia Union midfielder Brian Carroll (7) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Twenty years, no MLS Cups for the New York Red Bulls. Will this year be the one?

It has been a long, crazy road for the New York Red Bulls. A name change, multiple different managers, different superstar players, and heck even a USL Cup title for their junior side. Yet here we are twenty years going and the New York Red Bulls have yet to win an MLS Cup. The two Supporter’s Shields helps but it does not erase that mark.

So what makes this year’s team any different from any other side that has called themselves the Red Bulls? In part it seems to be the circumstances. Despite being the number one seed in the Eastern Conference champions this side feels like they are underdogs in this tournament. While they certainly have some exceptional players and a quality coach in Jesse Marsch it doesn’t feel like this side gets enough credit. Very rarely are the Red Bulls mentioned as a potential MLS Cup champion.

While that may seem like a slight in truth it is a good thing. By not having the pressure of being considered an MLS Cup title contender (or at least a top contender) the hope is that this side can sneak under the radar and finally get the title that their supporters want. But there may be a hidden fear in all of this as well that the reason no one thinks the Red Bulls can win it is that they expect another playoff failure.

Can the Red Bulls make it to the top of MLS? Let’s look at the three hopes and one fear with the team.

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