New York Red Bulls welcome FC Cincinnati this Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in a meeting that pits a home side playing only for pride against visitors still chasing major goals near the top of the MLS standings. It will be the 15th regular-season clash between the clubs, with New York holding the edge so far, seven wins to Cincinnati’s four.
Red Bulls looking to finish with dignity at home
For the first time in 15 years, the Red Bulls won’t feature in the MLS Cup playoffs. Their elimination was confirmed midweek when Chicago Fire beat Inter Miami. With nothing left to fight for in the table, the focus now shifts to closing out the season with dignity, especially in front of their own supporters.
Home form has been the bright spot. Ten wins in 16 matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with 36 goals scored — second only to Vancouver Whitecaps. Emil Forsberg, wearing the captain’s armband, has reached 11 goals this season, tying Clint Mathis’ mark as the most prolific Red Bulls midfielder across his first two campaigns. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been the standout of 2025, leading the side with 16 goals. Between them, the pair has produced more than half of the team’s scoring output.
The contrast away from home has been stark, just two wins in 16 matches on the road, one of the main reasons the playoff streak came to an end. With two games left, New York’s mission is simple: preserve their strong home record and avoid adding to the disappointment.
Cincinnati pushing for more
While the Red Bulls are already planning ahead to 2026, Cincinnati’s season is still full of stakes. With 59 points and a playoff spot secured for the fourth year in a row, the team is aiming to finish atop the East and even has an outside chance at the Supporters’ Shield depending on other results. Their away form has been excellent, 10 wins in 16, and they’ll lean on that strength to try to break New York’s home streak.
Evander continues to drive the attack and is on the verge of rewriting history. With 21 goals across all competitions, he needs just four more in league play to match the club’s single-season record held by Brenner and Brandon Vazquez. Remarkably, none of his goals have come from the penalty spot.
Beyond individual brilliance, consistency has defined this Cincinnati team. They’ve become only the second club in MLS history to record at least 18 league wins in three straight seasons a sign of how far they’ve come and how firmly they’ve established themselves among the league’s benchmarks.