The New York Red Bulls were in desperate need of a win when they took on the New England Revolution a few days ago. And on the heel of the seventh goal of Thierry Henry's in this MLS campaign, they got their three points.
Now the Red Bulls look ahead to a few exciting events going coming up.
First, New York will host the U.S. Open Cup Third Round Match:
The Pancyprians will face FC New York in a second round showdown at Belson Stadium in Queens, NY on June 21 for the right to take on the Red Bulls. New York automatically qualified for the third round of the competition, along with five other MLS teams, by virtue of their final standing in the 2010 MLS Regular Season.
Last year, the Red Bulls, which had to win three MLS Play-In Matches in order to qualify for the tournament proper, defeated the Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids. Once joining the main bracket, New York was eliminated in overtime in the third round of the competition by USL-2 side, the Harrisburg City Islanders, 1-0, at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg.
The Red Bulls, who have never faced the Pancyprians or FC New York in the tournament, are undefeated (3-0-0) in Open Cup play at Red Bull Arena. Created in 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States. The single-elimination tournament, which is similar to the prestigious English FA Cup, is open to all amateur and professional teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F). The competition was re-named the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999, in honor of the late Columbus Crew and FC Dallas owner-operator Lamar Hunt. New York began its participation in the Cup in 1997 and made it to the final in 2003.
Then the Red Bulls are hosting the 2011 Emirates Cup Sweepstakes:
The New York Red Bulls are hosting an online sweepstakes via their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
newyorkredbulls) for a lucky fan to receive a trip to London to catch the Red Bulls compete in the 2011 Emirates Cup from July 30-31 at the Emirates Stadium. The sweepstakes, which fans can enter via the team's Facebook page, starts today and runs through July 12.
One grand prize winner, who will receive round trip coach airfare for two to London, hotel accommodations, tickets to both matchdays, exclusive access to a Red Bulls training session and a pair of autographed jerseys, will be selected at random from all qualified applicants. There will also be one second place winner and one third place winner (see below for details).
The 2011 Emirates Cup kicks off at 9:00 AM ET on Saturday, July 30 with the Red Bulls facing Paris Saint-Germain followed by Arsenal taking on Boca Juniors at 11:20 AM ET. On Sunday, July 31, Paris Saint-Germain faces Boca Juniors at 9:00 AM ET, while former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and the Red Bulls square off against the hosts at 11:20 AM ET.
All and all it's never been a more exciting time to be a Red Bulls fan. We'll also keep you up to date on the Red Bulls upcoming match against the Timbers on Sunday.