Last year, the Red Bulls steamrolled to the best record in MLS with an inner conceit, an arrogance that they would win every single game. But this year, after a galling 2-0 loss at archrival DC hasn them on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, that confidence seems to have been replaced by confusion.
“I thought last year the character, the mentality, the attitude, we felt we were always going to win the game, from the first game on. Then we went on those runs and proved it,’’ coach Mike Petke said. “To be honest with you, with the amount of games we have left, it doesn’t matter what I think. It’s now. We have to pick up points. If not, you have to do what nobody wants to do: Rely on teams around you.
“Do I think this team is capable of making a run? Absolutely. Do I have confidence we can make the playoffs? Yes. But at end of the day, we have nine games let to prove that.’’
Two extended runs last year lifted the Red Bulls to the first silverware in their history, the Supporters’ Shield. But after finishing 17-9-8, Sunday’s 2-0 loss at RFK to archrival United left them with a losing record, just 7-8-10.
Worse yet, they’re on the outside of the playoff bracket, their 31 points one behind fourth-place Toronto and fifth-place Columbus. They have played one more game than Toronto, one fewer than Columbus. If last year they were feeling confidence, what are they feeling now?
“Frustration, more than anything,’’ Petke said. “Like I said I can’t put words in the players’ mouths or tell you what they’re thinking, because I’m not in their minds. But frustration, bewilderment at times. But we have a strong team. We have to step up and prove that. … It’s about no more talking, just getting out and doing it.’’
The Red Bulls will have that opportunity, playing the Eastern Conference’s top two teams in succession. They host defending MLS Cup champion Sporting KC (12-8-6, 42 points) Saturday night, then host United (14-8-4, 46 points) next Wednesday.
“Yeah, obviously they’re big games. You look at them — we have nine games left, we’re within it, we’re close and obviously those are going to be significant games,’’ Petke said. “Every game is an important game from now on.’’