The New York Red Bulls are just one win away from a century of victories at their own home turf, Red Bull Arena.
They slowly made their way off the field, staring up at the crowd in reverence while gently clapping for them.
The crowd in return was as energetic as if their team just won their first-ever MLS Cup. It was one of the most emotional wins in New York Red Bulls history: the team’s first victory at their first own stadium, the Red Bull Arena. They downed Santos FC, 3-1, on March 20, 2010.
Since then, the Red Bulls registered the most home points in the MLS, 328, and Red Bull Arena has seen The Metros celebrate three Supporters’ Shield.
Now, another major milestone awaits this Saturday when they take on Minnesota United, New York’s 100th victory at RBA.
The club is coming off two substandard performances, losing to Orlando City SC and Chicago Fire, 1-0. Similarly to RBNY, Minnesota lost their last two games. Moreover, the Red Bulls defeated them, 3-0, in their last two encounters—a 100th victory at RBA is screaming to come.
In New York’s first win at their own stadium, Joel Lindpere, Dane Richards and Mike Petke were the players on target.
For Saturday’s match, despite only scoring once in his last seven appearances, Bradley Wright-Phillips is the Red Bulls’ most likely goal scorer. The Englishman found the net three times in his last two games against Minnesota.
The club’s last signing, Danish teenager Mathias Jorgensen, has yet to score in a Red Bull jersey. A goal in the team’s 100th victory at RBA would stir up an exquisite debut goal story. Jorgensen was only nine years of age the day RBNY played their first match at the Red Bull Arena.
In fact, none of the players nor members of the coaching staff was with the club then. However, history is begging to see what Lindpere, Petke and Richards started at the Red Bull Arena with their goals, a winning dynasty.
