New York Red Bulls’ Key to advancing in MLS Cup Playoffs is very simple, just get home

The New York Red Bulls are set to square off vs Atlanta United in Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday at 5:00, but since history has not repeated itself these playoffs, there is one thing the Red Bulls need to do. Just one.

The New York Red Bulls will face Atlanta United in the first leg of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday. Leg 1 is in Atlanta where the Red Bulls already won this year.

In fact, the Red Bulls already beat Atlanta in Atlanta, at Red Bull Arena, and ultimately for the 2018 Supporters’ Shield.

To say the Red Bulls do not have Atlanta’s number would be a massive understatement. This year alone, they have beaten them in everything.

Now, there is one thing left to do. Beat Atlanta for a playoff series. Beat them in match play, beat them in points, beat them for the Shield. You name it.

However, all of that would be null and void if Atlanta beats them now.

It is easy to look at how outstanding the Red Bulls have been playing in general, and against the Five Stripes, and think there is no reason to worry.

However, there still is. One, this is a fresh start for everyone. Red Bulls can’t use their Supporters Shield to advance. Everything is 0-0 and its like entering a whole new season.

Plus, in the East playoffs this year in the MLS, history has not repeated itself. Last year, Atlanta didn’t even win a playoff game.

The Red Bulls, who have never beaten Columbus in the playoffs before, just did to get to where they are now.

History might not repeat itself. I’m just as worried about facing Atlanta as I would be if they were the ones who dominated the Red Bulls.

This is a whole new stage.

So, I know how great this team is. They are already farther into the playoffs then some might have thought. In spite of the Shield, the Red Bulls always choke in the playoffs, not this time.

In spite of being great, Atlanta always chokes against the Red Bulls.

So, something will have to give here.

All the Red Bulls have to do in Leg 1 is survive. They do not need to win, they just cannot lose. Their best bet is to try to win, obviously.

But there is one common thing, one thread, one place that has not ever been phased by karma, destiny, luck, whatever word you want to insert there.

That place is Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls have been so good at Red Bull arena all season. Unstoppable. Nothing has gotten in their way.

That is what the Red Bulls need to do. They need to get themselves back home.

Avoid catastrophe in Atlanta. Don’t dig themselves into a hole too deep.

That is it. The away goal aggregate that often decides these things should be in the back of Coach Chris Armas’ mind.

However, just get them home.

Last time out in Red Bulls Arena, was in the playoffs. The Red Bulls knocked out Columbus by shutting them out. That was even after the Crew was one of only two teams to win there in the regular season all year.

It is simple, it is clear, and the writing on the wall is screaming for it.

Get the New York Red Bulls home. Get them back to Harrison safely and unharmed. 1-0 down to Columbus turned into a berth into the Cup semis.

They proved if they survive the road leg, they will be just fine.

That is it. This is all they have to do. Get to Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls winning in Red Bulls Arena is the closest thing to a guarantee there is in the beautiful game.

Guess where the MLS Cup would be played too if the Red Bulls advance?

Yep, you guessed it, Red Bull Arena.

I cannot emphasize how important this is. It might be obvious, I do not care. It is literally that simple. The home pitch advantage for the Red Bulls is a major key. They are talented enough that it might be the only key.

Let’s go.