Saturday afternoon was the New York Red Bulls chance to not only virtually clinch a playoff spot but also give themselves a chance at first place in the MLS Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, they were unable to solve Sporting Kansas City, which clinched a playoff berth and is now atop the East table. If you missed the game there is a reason KC got off 20 shots to the Red Bulls 5.
Only 28 minutes into the contest the Red Bull’s leading scorer, Thierry Henry, was sent off with a red card for kneeing Sporting’s Roger Espinoza in the back. This was simply the most boneheaded play by a Red Bulls player this season. Not only did it force the Red Bulls to play a man down for essentially the entire game, which was tied at zero when Henry was sent off, but the star French striker will also be suspended for the final game next week at Red Bull Arena.
The Red Bulls held off Kansas City 11-on-10 attack for about 30 minutes but a 57 minute strike by Teal Bunbury and then a goal by CJ Sapong seconds after he came on the field put the game away for KC. The Red Bulls look to keep themselves in the playoffs with a win in their final game Thursday, October 20th, as they host the Philadelphia Union. The Union are currently tied with Sporting KC atop the Eastern Conference standings.