It seems like the 2023 Major League Soccer season just ended, but it’s already time to mark calendars for the upcoming year. The MLS and the New York Red Bulls officially released their schedule for the 2024 regular season. New York’s season starts on the road for the third straight year, traveling to face Nashville SC on February 25. Here’s a look at a few of the other 34 matchups and theme nights to keep an eye on in 2024.
Home Opener
The first match at Red Bull Arena will come on March 9th against FC Dallas. This will be the team’s first matchup since April 2022. The last time these clubs went head to head it ended in a 0-0 tie with shots favoring New York 20-7. Both the Red Bulls and FC Dallas finished the 2023 regular season similarly as New York finished eighth in the Eastern Conference with 43 points (11-10-13) and Dallas finished seventh in the Western Conference with 46 points (11-13-10).
The Return of Messi
One of the more anticipated matches of the season will happen on March 23rd when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF return to Harrison, NJ. This past season's matchup against Miami at Red Bull Arena drew in a sellout crowd of 26,276. Although New York suffered a 2-0 loss, it was a historic night for the club and the same should be expected this time around. Miami already reunited FC Barcelona superstars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba with Messi and are now expected to reunite those three with Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez.
The New York Derby
The Red Bulls will play New York City FC twice this season once at home and one away, though in this case, away is just across the Hudson River. The first match will be played at Citi Field on May 18th where coincidentally the Red Bulls are an undefeated 4-0-0 against New York in the month of May. The Red Bulls will then host NYCFC on September 28th for the second derby match.
Hosting the Champs
The Red Bulls will host the 2023 MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew on October 19th for Decision Day. New York only faced Columbus once last year with an unfortunate 2-1 defeat. This home match will be one of two against the Crew this season with the other happening on March 16th at Lower.com Field.
A Playoff Rematch
New York will get two matches against recent Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati. The first of the two will be played in Cincinnati on April 6th with the next one in Harrison on July 20th. New York will get their rematch after a heartbreaking exit from the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs at the hands of the blue and orange.
Familiar Faces
New York recently parted ways with forward Tom Barlow after he was traded to the Chicago Fire FC. The Red Bulls face Chicago twice with Barlow returning to Red Bull Arena on April 13th. New York also released midfielder Omir Fernandez who recently signed with the Colorado Rapids to a three-year contract. The Red Bulls will travel to Colorado on July 13, reuniting with the Bronx native. Dru Yearwood also signed with Nashville SC and will return to Harrison to face his former team on June 15th.
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