The New York Red Bulls are heading to their first MLS Cup since 2008 after sealing a narrow 1-0 win over Orlando City to lift the Eastern Conference title.Â
Andres Reyes scored two minutes into the second half and Carlos Coronel kept a brilliant clean sheet to seal the win for first-year coach Sandro Schwarz.
The Red Bulls are the first No. 7 seed to play for the championship after joining the 1998 Chicago Fire as the only teams to win three straight playoff matches on the road.
They will face either LA Galaxy or the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup next weekend, with the two Western Conference rivals facing off late on Saturday night.Â
Schwarz, who left Germany’s Hertha Berlin to coach the Red Bulls, led his team past second-seeded and defending-champion Columbus in the first round, winning the rubber match on the road. The Red Bulls beat No. 6 seed New York City FC 2-0 at Citi Field in the semifinal.
The New York Red Bulls celebrate on the field in Orlando after winning the Eastern Conference
Daniel Edelman and John Tolkin celebrate with the Eastern Conference trophy after the 1-0 win
Julian Hall makes angels in the ticker-tape on the field in Orlando following the historic victory
The only goal came two minutes into the second half and was scored by Andres Reyes
Reyes (right) celebrates the goal that took the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup for the first time since 08
The Red Bulls grabbed the lead in the 47th minute in Orlando when Reyes scored with a header off a free kick by fellow defender John Tolkin.Â
It was Reyes’ first goal in his ninth postseason appearance. Tolkin’s assist was his third in nine playoff appearances with after notching his first two and his only goal last season.
Pedro Gallese finished without a save in his 11th career playoff start – all with Orlando City. He allowed one goal in four starts this postseason entering play.
The Red Bulls have made the playoffs every season since 2010. They advanced to the final just once – losing 3-1 to the Columbus Crew in 2008. The club played in the conference final for the sixth time and first since 2018.
Oscar Pareja, who became Orlando City’s manager in 2019, led the club to its first conference championship match.
