New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls logo

NY Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy

Thierry Henry control cropped

New York Red Bulls vs CD FAS (15078275028)

Red Bull Arena Harrison behind goal

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New York Red Bulls are a professional soccer team based in the Harrison, New Jersey, part of the New York metropolitan area. They compete in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of American soccer, as a member of the Eastern Conference. The team was established in 1996 as one of the charter clubs of the league, originally known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars until 2006 when it was rebranded following its acquisition by Red Bull GmbH, an Austrian company known for its energy drinks.

History

The history of the New York Red Bulls is marked by periods of both struggle and success. In their early years, the MetroStars experienced limited success on the field, often failing to make a significant impact in the playoffs. The acquisition by Red Bull GmbH in 2006 marked a turning point for the franchise, leading to a rebranding that included a new name, logo, and stadium. Since then, the Red Bulls have become one of the more successful teams in MLS, winning the Supporters' Shield multiple times, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

Stadium

The Red Bulls play their home matches at Red Bull Arena, a soccer-specific stadium located in Harrison, New Jersey. Opened in 2010, Red Bull Arena is known for its European-style design and atmosphere, providing one of the best fan experiences in American soccer. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 25,000 and is considered a cornerstone of the team's identity and success.

Supporters and Rivalries

The New York Red Bulls have a passionate fan base, with several supporter groups, such as the Empire Supporters Club, Viking Army, and Garden State Ultras, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere at Red Bull Arena. The team's most notable rivalry is with D.C. United, known as the Atlantic Cup, which is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in MLS. Another significant rivalry has developed with New York City FC, a newer team that entered the league in 2015, dubbed the Hudson River Derby, reflecting the geographical and cultural tensions between the teams.

Notable Players and Coaches

Over the years, the Red Bulls have been home to several notable players, including Thierry Henry, a former French international who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and Bradley Wright-Phillips, one of the league's top scorers during his time with the team. The team has also been led by a number of distinguished coaches, including Bruce Arena, who has had a significant impact on soccer in the United States.

Youth Development and Academy

The New York Red Bulls place a strong emphasis on youth development, operating a successful academy system that has produced several players who have gone on to play professionally in MLS and abroad. The academy is part of a broader commitment by the organization to grow soccer in the New York metropolitan area and the United States.

Achievements

The Red Bulls' trophy cabinet includes multiple Supporters' Shields and appearances in the MLS Cup playoffs. Despite their regular-season success, the team has yet to win the MLS Cup, making it one of the most sought-after goals for the franchise.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, the New York Red Bulls continue to strive for their first MLS Cup victory while maintaining their commitment to developing homegrown talent and enhancing the fan experience at Red Bull Arena. The team's management and ownership remain focused on building a competitive and sustainable model for success in MLS.