The New York Red Bulls have defintely improved a lot since last season thanks to the help of the young Jozy Altidore and Colombian player Juan Pablo Angel. Last season they did not clinch a playoff spot until the last day of teh regular seaspn, but this season they clinched two weeks before the end.
At the beginning of October, the Red Bulls were not looking good and their playoff hopes were close to ending after their match against Toronto FC on Thursday October 4th. Toronto FC, at the time, was already eliminated from playoff contention so a 2-1 loss against the worst team in the Eastern Conference was a huge embarrasement. However, that weekend the Red Bulls were lucky enough to clinch the playoffs due to results from other games that took place that weekend. However, on Saturday October 13th, the Red Bulls set out to prove that they are worthy enough to play in the playoffs despite the loss and having to rely on other teams for qualification in a match against the Kansas City Wizards, a team that is not only a much tougher opponent than Toronto FC but also desperate for a win in order to clinch the playoffs themselves. HOwever, Juan Pablo Angel denied the Wiazards that win by scoring both Red Bulls goals that night in a 2-1 win over Kansas City. This was New York's first win since September 1st when the Red Bulls defeated Chicago after a loss against Chivas USA ob September 9th and series of 2-2 ties in three games followed by Tronto FC's 2-1 upset.
Although the Red Bulls were already secured a spot int he playoffs, winning this match sealed them a nuumber three seed in the Eastern Conference which therefore made New England Revolution their opponent for the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
As a result, the Kansas City Wizards had to wait untilt the final weekend of teh regular season to clinch a playoff seed, which they eventually did.
After a big home defeat of the Kansas City Wizards, the Red Bulls were able to travel across the country to Los Angeles for the last match of the season already gauranteed a spot int he postseason. The result of this match was a 1-1 draw with both goals scored in the 15th and 16th minute. Altidore scored in the 16th minute with equalizer only a minute after the Galaxy scored to make it 1-0.
Even though the Los Angeles Galaxy's playoff hopes were still alive with a tie which conitnued their unbeaten streak, a win would have clinched them a spot. The Los Angeles Galaxy had to win their final game of the regular season, an away match in Chicago, which took place this past Sunday, in order to clinch, but the Chicago Fire, which only needed a tie, denied them them any chances by scoring a last minute goal in the 90th minute and qualifying them for playoffs over the Galaxy.
The Red Bulls continue their season this Saturday playing host to the New England Revolution in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Since the visiting Red Bulls had already clinched a playoff position and an opponent set, they had nothing to play for. Despite this, the Red Bulls fielded a strong side as coach Bruce Arena did not rest any of his top available players. Goalkeeper Jon Conway started in goal after an impressive performance in Saturday's 2-1 win against Kansas City. Teh Red Bulls took command of the match from the start and dominated over the hosts. Several chances were presented tot he Red Bulls to win it, but they were unable to capitalize. Teh Red Bulls did not have any substantial possession of the ball or chances at goal until 15 minutes in, which gave them their early led, but as teh celebratory confetti rained down on the crowd and many supporters still on their feet after celebrating the goal, the Red Bulls scored to the tie it up. The play pretty much slowed down for the rest of the forst half with no memorable chances for either side.
David Beckham, who missed several weeks of play for the Galaxy, was deemed fit to play in this match and finally entered in the 70th minute. Initially, Beckham did not distinguish himself but the Red Bulls defense gave him plenty of opportunity to do so. In the 77th minute, Beckham took the first of three successive corner kicks but Re Bull goalie Conway stopped the Galaxy's best attempt.
The greatest chance for the Red Bulls to win it came as Altidore slipped a shot just wide of the post in the last minute of the game almost ending any hopes of a continued season for the Galaxy.
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