Red Bulls Host Cincinnati in Final Home Match of Season

Harrison, New Jersey — The New York Red Bulls will face off against FC Cincinnati this Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium. This matchup marks the 15th regular-season meeting between the two clubs, with New York leading the series with seven wins to Cincinnati’s four.

For the first time in 15 years, the Red Bulls find themselves out of the MLS Cup playoffs after their elimination was confirmed midweek in a defeat against Inter Miami. With their playoff dreams dashed, the team looks to finish the season on a positive note, especially in front of their home supporters.

New York has managed to maintain a strong home record, boasting ten wins in 16 matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium and scoring 36 goals, which ranks second in the league. Captain Emil Forsberg has been a standout player, tying a franchise record with 11 goals in his first two seasons. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leads the team with 16 goals this season, and together, they account for more than half of the team’s scoring.

However, the Red Bulls’ away performances have been disappointing, with only two wins on the road this season. With just two games left to play, their goal is to preserve their strong home record and minimize the disappointment of an early playoff exit.

In contrast, FC Cincinnati is still in the hunt for top honors, having secured a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive year with 59 points. The team aims to finish atop the Eastern Conference and potentially vie for the Supporters’ Shield, depending on the outcomes of other matches. Cincinnati has excelled on the road, tallying ten wins in 16 away games.

One player to watch is forward Evander, who has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s success. He has scored 21 goals across all competitions this season and is just four goals away from matching the club’s single-season record.

Cincinnati’s consistency has set them apart, as they have become only the second team in MLS history to achieve at least 18 league wins in three consecutive seasons. This success reflects their growth and solidification as a top contender in the league.