The New York Red Bulls survived the knockout round of MLS Playoffs by beating Sporting Kansas City....
First of all, there’s no one reading this who has to read reasons we’re pumped to play the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It’s New York. That’s the only reason we need. But, just for kicks, here are a few more.
1. D.C. United has yet to drop a playoff series to New York.
1996: L 2-2 (SO 5-6); W 1-0; W 2-1
2004: W 2-0; W 2-0
2006: W 1-0; D 1-1
2012: D 1-1; W 1-0
2. In 2014, United has a 2-1-0 record against the Red Bulls, claiming the Atlantic Cup in just two matches.
April 12 - W 1-0; Goal: Davy Arnaud
August 31 - W 2-0; Goals: Luis Silva, Eddie Johnson
September 10 - L 0-1; Goal: Lloyd Sam
3. Experience trumps all:
D.C. United has five players in the top 50 ofminutes played among active players in the post season.
Bobby Boswell (2,304; 4th), Sean Franklin (1,710; 13th), Chris Rolfe (1,279; 25th), Jeff Parke (1,145; 30th) and Davy Arnaud (937; 49th) combine for a total of 7,375 post-season minutes played.
New York has one player in the top 50: Jamison Olave (1,129; 31st)
4. Goals speak for themselves.
Leading scorers in the post season (among active players)
D.C. United:
Davy Arnaud, Chris Rolfe: 4 goals, ranked 6th
Eddie Johnson: 3 goals, ranked 7th
Nick DeLeon: 2 goals, ranked 8th
Sean Franklin: 1 goal, ranked 9th
New York Red Bulls:
Bobby Convey: 2 goals, ranked 8th
Tim Cahill, Thierry Henry, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Eric Alexander, Dax McCarty, Kosuke Kimura 1 goal, ranked 9th
Goals scored in Conference Semifinals:
Davy Arnaud: 2 goals, ranked 3rd
Nick DeLeon: 1 goal (vs NY in 2012), ranked 2nd
Eddie Johnson: 1 goal, ranked 2nd
No current New York Red Bulls player has tallied in a conference semifinal game.
5. It’s supposed to be clear and sunny on Sunday. Though, you beautifully crazy people have proven that no matter the weather, you’re down for the trip.
Bonus:The curse of the Red Bulls, via Big Apple Soccer.
Support the Black-and-Red on the road at New York. Find out about our Supporter Road Trips HERE
