UPDATE: The New York Red Bulls have officially been eliminated from MLS playoff contention for the first time in 15 years. This shocking development was confirmed late Tuesday night following the Chicago Fire’s 5-3 victory over Inter Miami, which sealed the Red Bulls’ fate and rendered their remaining matches meaningless.
The Red Bulls, who needed a Chicago loss to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, suffered a devastating setback after losing to their New York rival, New York City FC, over the weekend. This marks the end of the longest active playoff streak in North American professional sports, a record that has now been shattered.
“It’s a disappointment not to qualify for the playoffs,” said Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz after the loss. “I know everyone is upset, and I’m the first one to feel that. There were some injuries, and without some key moments, this situation is not the biggest surprise for me.”
The team’s struggles this season mirror their dramatic fall from grace after a surprising run to the 2024 MLS Cup Final against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Expectations were high, but injuries have plagued the squad, notably the absence of star player Lewis Morgan, sidelined since June with a quad injury.
Despite a glaring need for reinforcements, the Red Bulls failed to make significant moves in the summer transfer window. A potential acquisition of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig fell through, leaving the team without much-needed support.
The Red Bulls will host their final home game this Saturday, September 30, 2025, against Cincinnati before concluding the season on the road in Columbus. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how a team that reached the championship just a year prior could collapse so dramatically.
As the Red Bulls grapple with this abrupt end to their playoff streak, the implications extend beyond the field. The organization will need to reassess its strategies and player roster moving forward as it seeks to rebuild and restore its competitive edge in the league.
What happens next for the Red Bulls remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the urgency for change is paramount. Fans are eager to see how the organization responds to this unprecedented setback, and all eyes will be on the upcoming matches as the team looks to end the season on a high note, despite the overwhelming disappointment.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
